We all have passions, current interests, or thoughts flying through our minds. After continuous thought, we can either become tired or super inspired. When the latter occurs, sometimes we just want to talk to someone about our thoughts. But, we may not feel comfortable or do not have someone to share our thoughts with. In my opinion, the best gift one can give to another is an ear to listen to another’s story, thoughts, ideas, or passions.

It is one thing to talk with someone, but it’s another to listen to them. Letting someone else tell you their feelings can help them on their road to happiness. The release of the negative thoughts through words starts the process of fully accepting or forgiving the situation. Thoughts bottled up in our minds for too long merely crowd one of the most important parts of our bodies. While studying for exams, discussing the subject helps me recall the information better; discussing our feelings can be the same way. Hearing our problems out loud can help us determine the best solutions. Offering your ear to someone for even the shortest time gives them the opportunity to weave through their problems and can even give them a revelation for a solution.

Many times I read a book, passage, or listen to music; and the art brings about all of these questions or thoughts about the matter. The only thing I want to do is talk to someone and share my thoughts on it. If something inspires me, I want to share the joy it gave me, to someone else. Gratefully, I have friends and family who I can share my thoughts with; but many people do not have that “go-to” person. Either they do not feel comfortable, feel insecure to share their ideas, or have not made a connection with someone who they can share these with. We all can open our hearts and provide a compassionate and comforting face so others will feel encouraged to open up. All it takes is one friendly face to incite the sharing of ideas. This exchange can continue the spark in them; this spark can turn into actions that can change their world. A quote from the poet Rumi perfectly exemplifies this, “Listen with ears of tolerance! See through the eyes of compassion! Speak with the language of love.” If we all offer a compassionate, kind essence to the world, all of our good, true, and noble ideas will spread, and the world will then be changed for the better.

So the next time someone talks with you, give them all of your undivided attention. They will really appreciate it, their passions will develop, and they will be incited to act on their passions. Once we encounter a loving, kind person to talk to, we will want to become that person. Compassion is contagious and there is nothing better to spread.