You are probably in front of your computer screen at this very moment, reading every word I have written.

So....Listen, for a moment.

Stop, close your eyes and listen. What do you hear, right now? Could you describe it in just a few words? Is it something you hear on a continual basis? Is there, perhaps, a new sound, less familiar, you had not noticed before?

Did you hear nothing? Was it stone silent? Have you ever really heard the deafening intensity of silence?

Ponder this for a moment. What did you hear? What did you think you heard? What did you expect to hear?

Now, lets apply this.

The last time you spoke with someone you love and care deeply for, did you actually hear all that they said? Or were you thinking about your response? Thinking at all?

To be heard, one must not only have been heard, but consciously listened to. You know when someone has been listening by their response to your statements. You know if you have communicated by their action or reaction to your words.

Dont you just love the old deer-in-the-headlights look? It can be both humorous and exasperating at the same time.

If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? Only if you are there to listen to it.

Everyone hears even the smallest sound. It just takes a bit more effort to listen and appropriately respond.