What do you hear when you listen?

Last week at my yoga class, our instructor offered us the intention of listening. He explained that studies show that approximately 95% of people will jump into a conversation before digesting what is being said. We rush to speak without listening.

He challenged us to listen to our breath, body, and silence during class.

I flowed through the class and listened. At one point, the instructor asked why I was so quiet.

I laughed and reminded him I was working on the intention. Listening.

The uncomfortableness was new when people like myself were uncomfortable in silence. I learned by hearing what was being said instead of jumping in to speak each moment.

I decided to take this intention to my preschool class to see what I could hear when I just listened.

Mornings start with a big bang with 3-year-olds.

As I open the door, the rush of little feet, large backpacks, and miscellaneous items from home are dropped to the floor, usually missing their baskets where they should be placed in. Instantly they run excitedly to the same toys they see daily, just as joyful as they did the day before.

I listen.

The parents leave, and tiny but voluminous voices talk to me simultaneously. So much to say about a day that has just begun.

I watch these little people find a place in our world. Experiencing emotions only they can experience.

What do I hear when I listen?

I hear crying, laughter, innocence, and other noises.

I hold their hands, and they talk to me, and I listen. Most of the time, it was all we both needed.

We are told in Yoga to take our intentions outside class and use them daily.

I will listen; you will be heard.