On Listening
There are two types of listening. Listening to confirm what you already know and listening to understand.
Unfortunately, most of the time people listen to get approval for they know is right. When their own views are not reflected in the words they hear, they become defensive and often interrupt.
How to listen to understand?
It is almost like asking how to look through a window onto a beautiful landscape. If your window is dirty you will have a tainted and incomplete view of reality.
To be a good listener, your mind has to be free. Free of clutter, free of preconceptions and biases. It also has to be free from deep cravings and desires.
It is really hard to be a good listener.
Did you ever wonder how clean is your window?