Do you agree with the following?
"If you're getting bored in the middle of a conversation, it is most likely that you are boring."
I do agree, it is an interesting statement. Why is it interesting to me? Well, conversations include two or more entities clearly communicating towards one another while receiving instantaneous feedback in regards to the message sent. It is a back and forth, where two or more worlds, two or more brains, two or more personalities, two or more anomalies, two or more chaotic systems, intertwine in a symphony that lasts until the involved individuals put an end to it. Sometimes these conversations are fluid, short, long, fruitful, time-consuming, thoughtful, life-changing...who knows what you will get out of a conversation.
Just think about that. Each conversation, is an opportunity to listen to another human being, who has a unique story, personality, anecdotes, likings, dislikings, opinions, thoughts, etc. Isn't it amazing to have the opportunity to know about someone else's world? The probabilities of being born are minimal. Extremely minimal.
Not listening to other human beings when they communicate genuinely would be a step towards lacking appreciation for life, for existence. How ignorant can we be, when we consciously choose to not listen to one another? Listening is an underlying factor, that makes the difference when building a relationship, let that be romantically, socially or professionally.
It is one thing to hear someone speak, but it is another to listen.
Once we actually listen to people, we will get a window where their own world is visible. In my opinion, that is worthwhile and interesting. There is no way a conversation can be boring, when there are so many questions to ask and answers to consider.
When we listen to someone, we acknowledge their life, their existence. Haven't you noticed how hypocritical it'd be, to turn our backs on the fact that being born is almost impossible, and that we get bored mid-conversations, specially when meeting new people.
I don't intend to imply that listening must have a dramatical inspirational touch to it, but if it's utilized wisely, it is one powerful tool.
There are 2 main aspects to listening: Respect and Curiosity.
Respect
Listening is one of the greatest forms of respect there is. When you pay attention to someone in a conversation, you give this person value, as you exchange your time for their words. The value attainable from each human being is infinite. So, you never know what you'll get out of a conversation!
Curiosity
Curiosity can only arise when we listen with the intent of learning or acknowledging others' messages in a conversation. A stepping stone to be curious when we listen, is owning the fact that we can learn something from everyone. This is final. Everyone has value to give through their own personal experience and conclusions. Being curious when we listen is what opens our gates of perception, and expands our own universe of knowledge.
So start listening, and not hearing. People have interesting things to say, and if they don't seem as interesting upfront, you might have to look in the mirror, and uncover what is interesting about yourself, so you can then view others with the same intent.
This article resembles the importance and essence of listening. In the near future, I will write about how listening can strengthen your bond in a romantic, social or professional relationship. Should a more practical article, rather than "theoretical".
Also, I hope that this article reminds you that being humble when speaking to others is extremely benefitial, remember: we can learn something from everyone.
-Aritz.