The art of listening

Just want to share what my two blogging group buddies shared about the Chinese word "听” （listen).


Candice: "the ancient writing of 'listen' in Chinese, 聽, is a useful word to highlight the idea of listening with sincerity and empathy. The word itself comprises of the ears ‘耳’, eyes ’目‘, and undivided ’一‘ attention ’心‘. Quite an interesting word huh!"

Chee Kian: "In addition to what Candice had mentioned, I think the modern '听' means how much you weigh '斤' what is spoken '口' is through listening '听'."

Indeed, listening is  a skill which involves our undivided attention! You can sense it when someone is not listening to you when he/she does not give you his/her undivided attention (staring into space, preoccupied with own thoughts, playing the phone when you speak etc.). This often discourages the speaker from communicating. A sincere listener encourages communication and strengthens relationships too!