Listening is very important in life. How you listen matters tremendously. Most people listen with — and through — the background of their conditioning (that stems from past accumulation). With that accumulation, they listen… which really isn’t listening at all. They then walk around mistakingly thinking that they are “free” and “open.”
True wisdom may be beyond the mere accumulation of patterns (from the past). It may involve deep insight beyond what you merely have been told and accumulated. Insight is timeless; what is timeless is not of mere piecemeal accumulation (which is in time). Piecemeal accumulation is time.
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Wisdom comes in hearing what’s not spoken. Good to see you posting regularly, Tom.
Thanks much, wishforwater! 🙂 Yes, and what’s not spoken is not separate from what you are.
Beautifull said, Tom! Listening is one of the most healing things a person can do for another.
Yes, Jaya. Listening without a thick background of conditioning and prejudice. 🙂
Interesting perspective on the art of listening Tom. 😊 Listening nowadays, seems to be a thing of the past. Listening is an act of understanding, compassion, and empathy. Listening, true listening should be devoid of distractions. Sadly, we do not see that.
For some reason, I immediately thought of this song as I was reading your post, “Everybody’s Talkin’ by Harry Nilsson.” 🎶🎼🎵
Nowadays, Kym, far too many people listen merely through a screen of conditioning. It’s a very cloudy screen that distorts and cripples, unfortunately. Fortunately, it need not necessarily be that way. 🙂
I have to agree with you 100% Tom. Hearing and listening are two different things and all too often many people hear what you’re saying but not truly listen to what you are saying. Great perspective my friend. 👍🏼💖👏🏼
“ True wisdom may be beyond the mere accumulation of patterns”. Forming habits is an economic trait to conserve energy, but is also a trap one can’t think their way out of. Not thinking, not believing, in quiet con-templation of our surroundings is understanding you are the whole works.
Jim, now paleontologists are saying that human brains in the past were larger, cubic-centimeter-wise. Human brains seem to be shrinking due to mechanical, routine habits, patterns, beliefs, and from constantly being told what to do.
That actually makes perfect sense to me. Nice to see you Tom as always.
Listening, oh Tom, I am wondering if we even know what the word means anymore… listening with an open heart open doors we don’t even know are there. Nature listens and when I am in that space I can too.. my life even in the country is so riddled with noise from machines it’s crazy making. lately I have been going into the woods to sleep in my car to rid myself of outer noise. can I actually post this?
wow i can!!!! I miss your posts when you don’t have any!
Thank you, Sara. 🙂 Yes, few people listen without deep conditioning (these days). Too many merely listen with superficial barriers, and what they hear must fit into what was previously poured into them via indoctrination.
Beauriful picture Tom, so lucky!!
Thank you, Marcela! 🙂
Yes, listening, deep listening goes beyond everything.
Exactly, Paul! 🙂
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Listening is important … for yourself as well as when someone’s heart is heavy or their mind is cluttered and they just need to unload. Be that someone for them and you don’t have to say a word, just be there. Beautiful butterfly not singing the blues because it is so colorful.
Yes… then one doesn’t have to say a word! 🙂
Thanks, Linda! 🙂
I’, happy to be reconnected with you and your bright blog, your images are superlative!