A Listening Heart

Can I hear you?  Do you hear me?  We both like to express ourselves and speak our truth, yet sometimes it is so hard to listen, understand, and validate each other.  Today I choose to spend more time listening than expressing.  I will open my heart to what you have to say, even if I disagree with what I am hearing.  I will concentrate on understanding you.  After paying attention and acknowledging what I have heard, then I will respond with my point of view and opinion.  Connection, empathy, love, is realized if I create space within myself to hear you. I know I can grow a more effective listening heart.