Learning How to Listen
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Learning How to Listen

It's not a solution, but it's a start

9
Learning How to Listen
pixabay

When I turn on the television (which is not often), open Facebook (which is too often), or open Twitter (which more often than Facebook, unfortunately) I usually am entertained by funny videos or memes. However, in between that I see a large amount of bickering over social issues and poorly edited photos with either "liberal" or "conservative" views attached to them. When I see these arguments and these photos with inaccurate statistics on them I think to myself, "I understand people less than I thought I did."

Are we really that quick to anger? Are we really tied to our own biases enough that we will not even give the other side a chance? What are we doing? I understand that writing this will probably make me seem hypocritical, "Oh, Daniel. Like you've never been in a heated argument or shut someone out because your anger got the better of you." I'm not claiming that. I am a human being just like you who is susceptible to all sins and slip-ups. The point I'm trying to make is that we need to take our time with people. I need to take my time with people. More listening and less bickering will lead us down a path of peace rather than hate and violence. More compassion and mercy will lead us towards love rather than apathy and division. We have divided ourselves too much and I have hope we can still teach each other before our ignorance and pride separate us completely.

Sometimes I why it's so hard to treat people as I treat myself. I've mentioned before that I am a Christian so something I should do is focus on everyone being made in the Image of God. If you want to step away from that view, it's also fine to say that we are all human. Nothing we do or say makes us better or worth more than someone else. We need to look out for each other. Educate, guide, and love each other in the best way we possibly can.

It is always easier to let your emotions get the better of you, but it takes an immense amount of strength to control yourself. Nothing gets accomplished by fighting over different opinions on social media. Nothing gets accomplished by shutting down your neighbor's point before even four words come out of their mouth. So if there really is any point to what I'm saying here it is this: learn to listen and control how you react to things. It's something I think we all need to work on.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70969
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132534
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments