This is a serious problem. As a teacher, I observe it in my students: they are always scattered. Many of them I have asked a question and it is as if I were speaking Chinese: What did you say, teacher, they ask me as if they were on the moon. They don't know how to listen. On the other hand, I am one of those who can listen to everything. If I'm on public transportation, it's not uncommon for me to find myself listening to some conversations. Also in the market, in a café. Sometimes, some friends call me to talk and they are the ones who always end up talking and I end up listening. Likewise, I usually listen to my students who always have something new to say. I was born nearsighted, so I have had to sharpen my other senses to be able to orient myself in the world. The ability to listen, even silence, is an experience that nourishes me a lot. In fact, many of the stories I write are products of that permanent attention. Here my family tells me: "What happens is that you are a tattler! I'd like to think that I'm curious. hahahaha. Have a great day, Eric.
I can only imagine how much of this you experience as a teacher. I bet it can get very frustrating. A tattler! Lol. It sounds like listening comes naturally to you in an extraordinary way. How old were you when you were diagnosed with nearsightedness?
I'm finding that listening is very nourishing. It takes a lot of energy to constantly try to be "liked" and solve everyone's problems, especially for people like me who were born introverts. Stepping back and listening deeply feels a little like a vacation. It'll be interesting to see the ways in which this changes my relationships with others over time. Thanks for your comment, Nancy, and have a wonderful weekend!