What I Learned In Africa

 I also think we talk compulsively and listen poorly.  As Alcoholics Anonymous points out, we would do well to get the cotton out of our ears and put it in our mouths.  Talking can be valuable, when I have something worth saying and not just to avoid silence.  Listening can also be valuable, be it listening to myself or to others.  And it is important to listen to myself as well as to others.  Sometimes I'm surprised at what I hear in listening to myself or others, and those are sometimes enlightening moments.  I also think listening is a way to care and be respectful.  I think we cultivate the ability to listen in the same way we cultivate any other skill -- by practicing listening, disciplining ourselves to truly listen.  Lastly, I think it is a combination of meaningful talk and genuine listening that works best.  Enough -- time to listen.