Hearing Vs. Listening and How Replying is 2018’s Deepest Obsession

By Gavriela Powers. Gavriela, 29, is an author from the United States, and an advocate for Healthy Relationships Matter. Please read her article and leave your thoughts and comments below.

I agree with Mr. Covey, that most people don’t listen to understand, but to reply. However, I would go a bit further to say that if your heart’s intention is merely to reply from the beginning, the activity of listening is not truly present, but the activity of hearing. Hearing is when you have heard the words spoken, but not truly allowed them to enter your heart. Hearing and replying is the forte of this generation; dare I say it is even 2018’s deepest obsession. Why? Society implies that to be recognized, one must speak their own opinion without apology, and not to accept that opinion is to reject the person to whom it belongs. Society today implies heavily through  the media and the “tolerance” culture that personal opinions are the foundation on which life is built, and that everyone is “entitled” to their own opinion.

Listening, therefore, is a pastime that is exactly such: past, in a time when learning was about discovering the truth and not merely developing another personal opinion. Twenty-eighteen is not a generation that has been raised on the virtue of listening, but of hearing and replying, of elevating oneself, of creating subjective realities that do not measure, and are not required to measure up, to the truth.

Hearing and replying are much more the style of our generation today, and I say this with as much dismay as one can. The hearing and replying and replying and replying is leading our generation to its grave, a grave of immaturity and emotional ignorance. Do you need examples? I can give quite a few:

When Donald Trump became President, the entire collective liberal voice didn’t listen; it heard something it didn’t agree with and didn’t support, and it replied. It replied with an outcry, an outrage, a protest with bitter tears and defiant statements against reality; statements that were accepted as truth though they are as far from it as possible. Statements like, “Trump is not my President” were glorified and made into memes, as if to say, “We don’t need to listen or accept this reality, we need to hear what offends us and reply with a reality of our own”. Yet, here we are today, with Trump still the President of the United States, despite the many vehement replies against it.

MGK (Machine Gun Kelly) made a statement in 2012 towards Eminem’s daughter, Hailie, who was sixteen-years-old at the time; six years later, here we are, hearing Eminem’s vehement reply on a surprise album, and then another vehement reply from MGK that was dropped in as little as 24-hours later. Social media is littered with debates and gossip and opinion after opinion on who is right and who is wrong, and yet, I say, no one is truly listening to anything anyone is saying. We are not a generation of listeners, but of hearers; who hear the voice of offense no matter what is spoken, and reply with our opinion even if not asked.

Nike products are being burned as a reply; not given to the homeless, not donated to Goodwill or other thrift stores where it could still serve a good purpose; and maybe that is where those Nike products would have ended up had America been truly listening and not merely bent on hearing offense and replying. What is the true difference between the two acts of listening and replying?

Listening is an art, a secret key that holds the power to fulfilling every successful relationship, business endeavor, and dream that one can imagine. Listening involves the denying of self, the challenge of considering a truth outside of your current level of emotional intelligence or intellectual understanding, and the humility to accept that truth despite how vehemently opposed to your opinion it turns out to be. Listening is an act that leads to life, success, peace, joy, hope, and inward growth; it is an act that involves maturity of spirit, mind, and body.

Replying is a fool’s errand: a rash activity that anyone, even a brute beast could achieve. Replying is denying truth, holding onto whatever opinion you have, and limiting oneself to a level of understanding that never goes beyond self. Replying is the activity of a hearer; one who hears a foreign sound and is evoked to reply in fear and offence. Replying is a pathway that leads to death, despair, anger, pride, and eventually, complete inward regression. Replying without listening is truly a formula whose end result is that of chaos.

Ah, and there is the true heart of this discussion: how the intent of one’s heart can seem so pure to oneself, and yet bring about such a sullied result for everyone else. Does everyone else truly need your reply, or are you giving it merely because it is yours to give? Is there a purpose other than self-aggrandizement behind your reply? Is there true intention to grow and learn behind your reply, or merely a platform to hear your own voice? Have you truly listened and then replied, or have you merely heard and divulged word?

Of course, as with anything in this realm, replying can serve a noble purpose if it is coupled with its predecessor, listening. Separate it from its cohort, however, and you have the mindset of the entire twenty-eighteen generation: hearing what is spoken without taking off the lens of one’s own perception. Hearing without putting oneself in the other person’s shoes. Hearing and merely staying within one’s own comfort zone of understanding without empathy or regard; then replying with all the emotional vigor one can, just to make sure one is heard. Heard. Not listened to; generating the entire cycle once more.

I beg you, my fellow Millennials and generations of 2018, endeavor to listen. Take the information into your heart and examine it; adopt an attitude of humility and quickness to listen. Do not merely hear; for hearing only highlights what one does not agree with to formulate a reply. If you truly desire to reply, do so after listening first. Listen to a different perspective. Consider an alternate opinion. Empathize with others and enter their realm of reality to understand from where they are originating their point of view. This is an act of relation, an act of accepting another’s humanity and place in this realm. Listening to someone else shouldn’t threaten who you are; it should enlarge who you are and how you are able to relate to others.

Listen, even if you don’t agree. Then, when you reply, it may be with humility. It may be with love and a foundation of communication instead of replies and responses that evoke arguments and foolish wastes of time and emotion. If you learn how to listen, your replies will be uplifting to others instead of yourself. When you learn how to uplift others, you find that self is also uplifted emotionally; you find that relationships and success aren’t things to be abused and tormented with foolish bickering and obstinate opinions.

Listen, and you will find the true home and belonging place of how to reply with dignity and grace; how to reply and create conversation and peaceful debate without promoting arguments and strife. If you truly learn the art of listening, your replies will always be emotionally intelligent and absent of controversy.

Yet, this is my reply. I, too, am of this generation and desire my voice to be listened to; so, I listen. I listen to the cries and the attitudes and the vibes and the shouts and voices of those in this generation speaking out, and those whose voices get drowned in the wake of headlining news titles and media attention. I listen as well as I am able, and then I reply with my emotions stable. I reply with humility and emotional intelligence that says: I will be listened to by those who listen, and heard by those who merely hear; either way, my responsibility is clear. Listen first, and then reply if necessary; not every reply will bear a weight that others can carry.

66 comments on “Hearing Vs. Listening and How Replying is 2018’s Deepest Obsession

  1. Vikki Dull on

    I absolutely love this essay. Gavi writes with an intelligence and understanding of the world beyond most 29 year olds. I enjoyed every line and listened to what she was saying. It definitely makes you stop and think how often have I just replied to be heard and not to be listened to, and in turn how many times have I only “heard” someone else’s words? Thank you Gavi for your perspective and voice on this matter.

    Reply
    • Martha Roark on

      I enjoyed this essay as well. What a refreshing stand on thinking out of the box that comes from a young lady with intelligence well beyond her time on earth. Effective communication involves listening and making your own decisions that do not always go with the status quo. Keep up the great work. I look forward to reading more articles like this.

      Reply
  2. Debbie Welch on

    Very well written and spot on. Not many people listen, really listen. Gavi has totally captured today’s world in her words. Awesome article!

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  3. Seul Kim on

    Gavi touched on many current subjects and tied them all together to assist with making people realize today’s issues in such an amazing approach.

    Reply
  4. Joan Wilson on

    Gavriela is truly wise beyond her age. She provides insight that encourages her readers to dig deeper into their own opinions! She has experienced a lot in her life, and uses those experiences as references to her writing. I look forward to reading more from this young, intuitive writer.

    Reply
    • Myrrh Hamishiach on

      This is a piece of art. Thank you for awakening my ears. I have had so much on my plate that I have been hearing instead of listening. I’m so grateful for this writing.

      Reply
    • Jonathon Tubby on

      I think that listening is a key ad well in life no matter the circumstance because listening creates room to breath and think things through although I feel that just because we have an opinion that differs from others doesn’t always mean that you need to speak it every time you get the chance … sometimes no reply us better…. as the verse goes a fool is thought to be wise when he doesn’t speak . And another verse says instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning….
      And yet another verse comes to mind with a valuable lesson behind it …..
      Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

      Reply
  5. Gina Bowman on

    So many good things to consider. Knowing all the facts gives a true understanding and weighing the matter makes us wise. Excellent article Gav

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  6. Victoria Macaluso on

    “Listening involves the denying of self, the challenge of considering a truth outside of your current level of emotional intelligence or intellectual understanding…”

    Absolutely love this sentiment! As a Master’s student in marriage and family therapy, I often said people’s biggest problems boil down to wanting to be “seen, heard, and understood.” Perhaps now I will instead say “seen, listened to, and understood” to truly emphasize the dichotomy between being heard and being listened to.

    Reply
  7. Christina Frenkel on

    What a beautiful snd elegant writer. I have know of and followed Gavrielas writings for three plus years. She always brightens my spirit And enlightens my soul. Wisdom is Her strength. She is a true Warrior for God.

    Reply
  8. jennifer leagan on

    This is so very well written and puts a truth out there that if we were all to put into practice in our lives the world would be changed into a much more loving and balanced place to live~!!!! 🌹

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  9. Path 22 on

    Great piece! I love how you can show us our worst side as a people, while illuminating our best potential – Thoughtfully and reasonably.
    You really do have your finger on the pulse of the collective heart of human beings ♡

    Reply
  10. Katrena on

    Thanks for insight on what goes on in the world today! 🇺🇸 The new generation has yet to see much of what is truly happening as you have pointed out. Thanks for being a voice in this society where it’s much needed. Looking forward to more of your writings. God Bless~

    Reply
  11. Lisa on

    Gavi, you wrote an awesome article on a subject that has been on my mind and heart. Way to go Sis! I hope that it is shared all over the media and read with understanding so as to bring change.

    Reply
  12. Deb Armbrust on

    Listening is a show of respect to the other person. It implies respect, care, and even love. Replying without listening takes only into consideration self. Great writing my dear! And great life lessons implied in this article. Not sure where you got that! Love you!

    Reply
  13. Brenda Wright on

    Very well written and great job of speaking to the difference between hearing and listening. Effective communication is truly becoming a lost art. Write on.

    Reply
  14. Cindy Drumhiller on

    So very proud of you. I am very honored that Father gave you to me. I get to have the honor to say that you are my daughter. You have always had this very special gift with words. All the glory goes to God. Absolutely love this piece.

    Reply
  15. Kathy on

    “Listening involves the denying of self, the challenge of considering a truth outside of your current level of emotional intelligence or intellectual understanding, and the humility to accept that truth despite how vehemently opposed to your opinion it turns out to be. Listening is an act that leads to life, success, peace, joy, hope, and inward growth; it is an act that involves maturity of spirit, mind, and body.” –Gavriela Powers
    Thank you for the great word.

    Reply
  16. Isaac on

    Beautiful. Eye once had a mentor tell me that we shouldn’t strive just to be interesting but also interested in other people.

    Reply
  17. Jo Alban on

    Bravo Gavi!!! Deep insight and wisdom , We must all learn to listen and discern what is being spoken to better understand other peoples opinions .

    Reply
  18. Elena on

    I love to read everything about her since relationships now in days needs every posible ideas to keep and make relationships last forever. she’s very inspiring and encouraging to everyone who read her articles. It seems that now in days couples gives up so quickly and we need more tactics to continue not to only be living in a relationship just because of the what others going to say because of the failure but because the love still burning.

    Reply
  19. Abby on

    Wonderfully written! It made me stop and think…think about things from a different perspective. I appreciate those who have the ability to write in such a way that he leads one to use their logical thought process. Well written, Gavi!

    Reply
  20. Giacomo Knox on

    Outstanding reply! Gabby has nailed the lack of concentration, patience, and giving when it comes to the art of human conversation. Perhaps society is at fault; incessantly turning people into victims that need to be heard or their stories told ABOVE others, instead of alongside others. We cannot find common ground without giving ground, and that capsulizes Gabby’s response. Well done, sis! Mazel Tov!

    Reply
  21. Sam Castro on

    I have to say, such a piece that isn’t littered with cynicism despite the hard truth within is admittedly rare. Those of the millennial generation (my generation) and later who are aware of this usually just give up and walk away from it all because they see futility in even trying. It’s a strange almost defiant hope I suppose is what I’m getting at.

    Reply
  22. Tyler Powers on

    I’m so proud of you for keeping your writing dream alive, baby. You make some seriously excellent points in this essay. I’m glad that in our marriage, we have both learned how to truly listen to one another rather than merely hearing.

    Reply
  23. Christina on

    Listening vs hearing….a concept (as is written here), we should keep close to our hearts, to avoid hurting others, and help heal past wounds. This was a beautifully written piece, thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  24. Cynthia Thompson on

    Deep insights..thank you…why is it that deep hurry either creates the most beautiful hearts or the cruelest hearts…because it’s a choice..thanks for making the right choice! You have a beautiful heart and listening ear! Shalom

    Reply
  25. Chayah shalom on

    Amazing maturity shown in everything that Gabriela writes and teaches. I’ve been following this young millennial based on her understanding of the meanings of words. She is a beautiful teacher whose heart cries for understanding and learning. Excellent Gavriella. It needs to be published for all to read not just millenials.

    Reply
  26. Abraham Sannoh Barthan on

    Listening vs hearing….a concept (as is written here), we should keep close to our hearts, to avoid hurting others, and help heal past wounds. This was a beautifully written here .

    Reply
  27. Joseph Tinney on

    Excellent article! In the Hebrew language there is a term “Hineni” transliterated. It has a very strong meaning, more than I hear. It means I am here, send me. When the Most High approached Abraham and commanded him to offer his only son Issiac, Abraham said “Hineni”. It means I have fully listened and I am willing, I am 100 per cent with what was said.

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  28. Darla Wright on

    We’ve lost the real meanings of words, ascribing to them whatever we want them to morph into. Definitions of words are important. Webster’s 1828 defines ‘hear’ as this: 1. to perceive by the ear; to feel an impression of sound by the proper organs; as, to hear sound; to hear a voice; to hear words. 2. to give audience or ALLOWANCE to speak; 3. to attend, to listen, to obey: “Today, if ye will HEAR his voice, harden not your heart.” [What you are speaking of is hearing with a hardened heart, for instance, not a softened, receptive heart.]; 4. to attend favorably; to regard; 5. to grant an answer to prayer: “I love [YaHuWaH] because he hath HEARD my voice.” 6. to attend to the facts, evidence, and arguments in a cause between parties; to try in a court of law or equity; 7. to acknowledge a title; 8. to be a hearer of; to sit under the preaching of; 9. to learn; 10. to approve and embrace. 11. to enjoy the sense or faculty of perceiving sound; 12. to listen, to hearken; to attend; 13. to be told; to receive by report.

    Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines ‘listen’: 1. to hearken; to give ear; to attend closely with a view to hear; 2. to obey; to yield to advice; to follow admonition.

    Reply
  29. Charlie Moffat on

    I wish I could Word thing as great as Gavriela, this has been very interesting indeed. There’s so much to take out of these few lines for food and thought. Brilliantly put. Blessings to you all who have taken the time to read this. Fae Shetland Islands

    Reply
  30. Chuck Lampley on

    Excellent , I agree this is definitely what this generation needs to do more of and some from former generations as well. Folks just don’t listen before they reply like they should. Very well written Gavriela.

    Reply

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