RURAL 1ST INITIATIVE
The weather was perfect Friday afternoon, as a few locals gathered in Firefighters Memorial City Park for the Rural First Initiative’s listening session.
About a dozen folks showed up, and the event offered a pleasant way of discussing some of many unusual things going on in America right now.
From talk about policies at the local university, to the economy and current political landscape, people seemed to welcome the chance to speak their minds, and offer an opinion on this and that.
Perhaps more important than what was discussed, was the fact that everyone was more than willing to listen, and I have no doubt that if a few dozen people had wanted to talk, attendees would gladly have stayed later than the 7 p.m. close to make sure everyone got their chance to speak.
I feel like gathering and listening is a pretty good idea for all of America right now.
Especially if someone with views different from your own wants to speak.
Let ’em. Give them a chance and just sit and there listen.
Don’t think about what you’re going to reply, or come up with a clever riposte.
Don’t think about the past, and don’t daydream about the future.
Really listen — and then see if they want to hear what you think. Or maybe ask them a question.
Try to develop a dialogue.
It’s true some people don’t really want to have a discussion, and if they can’t be “allowed to win” the argument, they’ll probably go away mad.
But at least you can say you listened, and heard them out.
Within everyone’s communications, although oftentimes veiled, are their hopes and dreams and doubts and fears, and only listening deeply to someone will help you see these things.
See the real person sitting in front of you.
As a professional communicator, I will say that all human communications have a polarity — exactly like electromagnetism — energized to either bring people together or divide them. And remember the old adage: listening is twice as important as speaking.
The Rural First Initiative will hold a Listening Session at the Public Library in Bastrop on Oct. 18.
