There are two important aspects to any conversation, the talking and the listening. For many people, the talking comes pretty easily. You know what’s on your mind, and you say it.

You would think that listening is even easier than talking. Isn’t listening just standing there with your mouth shut?

Peaches was telling Pomegranate about her glorious trip to the beach. As she was relaying the details of her impressive four-tower sand castle, she noticed Pomegranate glancing at the door. Pomegranate looked like she was thinking about something else. Peaches asked Pomegranate a question to which Pomegranate responded, “What?”

Peaches was not being listened to. Pomegranate was physically standing there, but she was not really listening.

Listening is an active activity.

When you listen, be fully present with the other person. All of your attention should be focused on the speaker.

Instead of thinking about what you are going to say next, really take in all that is being said.

Listen with an open heart. Be curious about the other person.

When you really listen, you connect with the other person and the conversation is also much more enjoyable.