All too often that which is most obvious is that which is least understood. There’s an urge to find complication and restriction in the most simple of things. Should there be no blatant complication then it is easily created.
One of the most neglected areas of basic existence is the importance of communication. We have a need to talk. When that need is suppressed all manner of problems can arise. Loneliness is the most obvious and that can have a detrimental impact on mental health.
It’s possible to be alone without suffering from loneliness. In fact there are times when limited separation from the noise of the world can be beneficial.
But we need other people. We need to articulate our thoughts in order to rid them of the fog that can gather inside our own heads. It’s important to hear what it is that we are thinking. We achieve that by communication.
Conversation can lead to consideration…an early step along the path to understanding.
It’s important, however, to remember that conversation is not all about what we say but also about what we hear. And to maximise the benefit of what we hear we must listen. It’s in listening that we gather information and we are exposed to other ideas and opinions.
True conversation is a respectful and considerate exchange. We need that so we can justify or change our own beliefs in light of the information we have gathered.
That’s not to say that every chat needs to be deep and meaningful. But every chat has value. When we think about what we are saying more effort is needed than when we are simply thinking about what we are thinking.
There’s a thought!
Gary Bentley Counselling 