In Pakistan talk is cheap. People just talk and talk and talk, to no avail. In our society talking is a great pastime, be it about politics, our relatives or anything else. No one gives a second thought to what they are saying and why. In all the chitter chatter of life we forget that words have great power.
I have a question: What is the difference between a discussion and a debate? In a debate 2 people talk and all others listen. In a discussion 2 people talk, but no one listens!
A conversation is always about talking AND listening. When I say listening I don't mean keeping your mouth shut and nodding your head, while thinking of a great song you heard the other day. It's about Shutting up.
Really shutting up. Not just with your mouth but:
* your mind: not thinking of the next great answer you are going to provide your bechari audience with!
* Your ears: not listening to the fight the neighbours are having about money!
* your eyes,: not wandering idhar udhar, nahin not even to watch that geo add!
* but most importantly: Your heart! Don't just listen to what your friend is trying to say to you, for the sake of conversation, really listen and be happy, she's sharing this experience with YOU!
So this ramadan, besides fasting with food, also fast with patience and silence: Suno na, suno na, sun lo na!
twitter: @Irumnl
