John P. Schulz: Find The Living Room

Quotes and Notes #282, August 13

Don’t say anything, just stop and listen to the pretty.

“Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.”—Dalai Lama—

Yesterday, my mother said, “There are so many talkers and so few listeners.” I’m guilty—we all are, probably. At times, I find myself in a conversation, thinking about what I’m going to say next instead of really listening. I am definitely getting older, though, and perhaps wiser. I am learning to concentrate on what someone is saying to me to a point at which I understand as much as possible. This concentration is then followed by a thoughtful pause, and then by a response—if one is necessary.

Sometimes ego is responsible. We wish to say something that enhances our appearance of intelligence. Sometimes, no answer at all is the most intelligent option.

But we can always share a smile
Everything is going to be all right.
John P. Schulz—“Sweetie Drives on Chemo Days.”