Welcome to M’s Author Corner. In my first blog and poem of 2024, I am reminded of the immense power words, listening, and hearing continue to hold.
I remember way back in another life when I set up, and managed French, European and eclectic style bistros, and restaurants, how a few chefs listened but never actually heard what I or members of my team requested from the customer.
Guess who had to take the stick for the fallout?
It seems “listening and hearing” have become an art form.
It is easy to forget, as we sit in our office, desk at home, or like me, in my writing shack, how far removed from the hub of daily life and people, we can become.
The world buzzes with noise and busyness, many on a mission to succeed, at a frenetic pace.
Sadly, some are reluctant to open their ears to what is important to those around us.
My poem, Listening, transcends into our personal lives, for us as creatives, and in business too. As an author, storyteller, and speaker:
I have the responsibility to “listen and hear” my followers, audience, and my readers.
Writers must observe, and fully absorb what is being said without judgement.
What will lift my tribe up, inspire and encourage them?
Undoubtedly, this investment in time has the potential to yield dividends and may ignite sparks of inspiration, prompting compelling narratives, building strong relationships and trust too.
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” – Stephen R. Covey
Listening
Listening is an art form that some have not yet achieved.
We remain oh, so busy, only thinking of our needs.
Why not make the time to listen and hear,
what others have to say,
And
Create a deeper bond, harmony,
love and connection along the way.
By listening we have the chance to learn of others fears, their hopes and
how they wish to fulfil their dreams.
Closing our mouths,
opening our ears, we engage, show empathy,
and connection.
It requires an unselfish person in this absorbed world,
to listen unconditionally to people’s sometimes troubled world.
Love is listening and hearing what the other has to say.
Is it time to change our way of thinking become a listening ear,
Right here, right now, yes, today.
-//-
May we continue to develop a connection in the months ahead, by writing, listening and hearing each other.
Until next we meet, sending my warmest wishes,
Miriam
Link to my website
Image Credits: Miriam McGuirk .
There is no doubt, listening to hear is a skill – it is the ultimate art of communication. I learned this skill in the early nineties when I started working with and subsequently travelling to, the far east. South Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand and Turkey ( not so far east)
All had and still have similar cultures, approach to life, both personal and work. Once I learned the idiosyncrasies of each country through listening and hearing I was able to deliver what my UK based customers needed whilst ensuring the suppliers did to.
Miriam, an excellent poem with a good reminder. Thank you.
Always a pleasure. Thank you, for you taking the time to reply.
What a lovely poem Miriam and I can certainly relate to it. Hopefully I am a listener or think I am (yes definitely am). Know it’s hard to listen when you have other things going on in your life but maybe we should think about what it means to the person talking to you xx
Hi, Natalie. Appreciate your comments. Thank you for reading January 19/01/2024 M’s Corner
about Listening and glad the poem resonated too.
Thank you for a thought provoking and beautiful poem.
Your quote from Stephen Covey is so true, for me included!
I like the idea that we have one mouth but two ears and should use them in those proportions.
Hi, Liz. Huge thanks for your positive comment… Becoming a good and consistent listener takes time and a lot of practice, one I still have to do too. Delighted you enjoyed my Poem Listening.
Thank you Miriam, what a lovely poem and so very true. Makes you realy stop and think about what you are realy doing. I to like the idea we have two ears and one mouth and should use them.
Hi, Brenda. Big thank you for taking the time to comment. It takes a special person to truly listen to what others have to say rather than react. Ears first and only then speak….
Agree with Liz and you.