Two Worlds
Quietly watching the world go by is the best way to witness and appreciate the human experience.
I love that we are all unique, all have special qualities that we project and fears that we hide. I love the way we talk, listen, learn and laugh.
On a trip to Japan, I was fortunate enough to see this take place in what I consider unique circumstances. Sitting in the gutter as I often do, my gaze fell across the street, where two of the smallest restaurants I have ever seen sat side by side.
They were identical in size, yet everything else about them was totally different. They attracted a diverse crowd, yet the small group drawn to each restaurant seemed to be looking for the same thing—a place to blow off some steam and recharge before once again confronting the furious-pace of Japan.
As I pause to take a few pictures, it became clear that these two establishments offered the same service, which seemed to be needed and appreciated.
The men who ran these small yet essential local restaurants were amongst the best listeners I have ever witnessed. They were having multiple conversations at once, yet they barely said a word. They just listened.
As time passed, I started to wonder if they ever felt heard? A term I hear a lot of lately. Or, in fact, their voices were heard through the simple act of listening?
This may be the simple answer to what we have made a complex issue; everybody desires to be heard. Yet this lingering thought remains, to be heard, do you first need to know how to listen?
This question may be unpopular, but do you first need to learn how to listen if you expect to be heard?