LISTENING TO NATURE
Listening is an acquired skill. When first I heard about it I was surprised to know.
How can something which is natural part of our five senses can be a skill. I discovered this fact while conversing with my son. As a mother I am always after my 11 year old son to listen to me all the time. Once when we were out for a family picnic I realized that spending time together, outside in natural surrounding speaks tons of joy. My son has got lot of stuff to share with me and he was radiating all the joy in this open arena. Children open their heart when we give them space. Playing with friends, quarrelling, complaining, sharing secrets, learning etc. so many topics to talk.
My son , husband and friends were busy playing football. I was not interested in playing so I went in the lap of trees and sat under a big old peepal tree.
It was a time for me and only my thoughts. I am a teacher by profession so it has become a part of my behaviour to expect things in the right manner. My thought usually revolve around my work and my son. I was watching my son playing in full swing involved with friends. Slowly my thoughts rolled into past.
I was just thinking that when I say or instruct something to my son back at home he just passes without any response or shows aggressive behaviour . This made me irritable and anxious. I was just thinking of solution. When we share such things with our friends even they don't have solution as they are also travelling in the same boat. Time passed by it was getting dark so we packed our bags and drove to our house which was about ninety kilometers from the place. I was in the moment with my friends and reached home safely. Days rolled by and I was busy with my routine. Now, me and my son are involved into conversation. I found that my son has become more receptive. He is listening and responding to what I say. He started to follow a fruitful routine in terms of studies and other extra-curricular activities. I was just thinking, "Is it the post trip behaviour ?" It was a vulnerable feeling. My relation with my son became stronger and stronger. This gave rise to a question in my mind what has changed, what is it which made him listen.
I started to research about the topic "listening". I think this one aspect has build up a beautiful bridge between mw and my son. I came up with interesting findings and facts.
Research suggest, we only remember between 25% to 50% of what we hear. That means attention to the conversation is less than half. The good news is listening can be improved that is why it is called as skill. The complete message can be communicated with increase of efficiency in listening. Finally, I realized listening is one of the most powerful tool. I hope I will continue to improve.
