Hi Friends,
Here's the article for the week of February 23. You know the drill: read, respond, question. Remember to respond on this site and not on Ode's website.
http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/4/silence_is_golden/
Happy reading!
-Ms. B
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This article talks about listening and how much power it truly has. In some situations there is nothing you can really say to comfort others, so you listen. I find that when i just listen to my friends or family that they feel better getting all of their feelings out rather than me telling then what i think. I like when people just listen to me and don't try to tell me what to do or try to influence my decisions. If people just took the timme to actually listen maybe they wouldn't miss as much by talking over others. Why does everyone want to talk instead of listening to others? I think its exhausting and people just want someone to listen without judgement.
ReplyDeleteShannon S. C
When reading this artical the only thing that came to my mind was how true everything Margaret Wheatley expressed in her book really is. In todays world everyone is so into material goods that we never take time to just listen to one another. Now adays people dont even pick up the phone to listen to what one another has to say they just text it. The material goods in this world have made humans connection to one another worsen. I believe that simply listening to what someone has to say is one of the most important things someone can do for one another. When you have somthing to say you want it to be heard so instead of always just hearing what you have to say STOP and listen to what others have to say.
ReplyDeleteWhat other topics has Margaret Wheatley written about ?
Eileen A. Block A
I really enjoyed reading this article because it did bring up an excellent subject that is hard to master: listening. Sometimes people feel like silences need to be filled or the conversation always needs to be centered around one person, and this is not the case. I liked how Wheatley described listening as a healing process. If more people listened, the world would be a more peaceful place.
ReplyDeleteSince March is International Awareness month, what ideas and beliefs are supposed to be taken away from this month?
Fay H.
Block B
I found the article to be an unexpected topic. This article demonstrates that listening to others can help them even if you don’t give any advice in return. In past experiences, when someone listens to me, I sometimes can come to a conclusion myself because of speaking out loud. Today, kids are rewarded with material items, which draw them away from “family time”. Fifty years ago, families gathered around their kitchen table and had conversation; now, the world is moving too fast for anyone to really catch up. While parents are working and kids are involved in extra-curriculars, there really is no time to listen, but listening would give many opportunities to slow down.
ReplyDeleteMy question: If people listened, would there truly be world peace?
Ashley K., Block A
Listening can do a lot to help the world. This is the basic message of this article. People nowadays don't always listen and really talk to each other one on one we have become more interested in other things, like material goods. Texting could even be an example of this, instead of actually talking face to face and really listening to one another. We have conversations via text message. By actually pausing to listen to what the person has to say we can benefit from what they have to tell us. It is also discussed in this article how we sometimes we take conversations and turn them into contests. This is not the way that it should be, instead of arguing we should listen and learn from that person and hear what they have to say. By doing this we can get new perspectives on things. In conclusion this article tells us that we have to listen to learn. my question is: why do people take a conversation as something they have to win? why does one person feel better when they make another feel bad? Jessika Hutchinson block C
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of people today have a hard time listening to others. You would think it would be a simple thing since we learn to listen to what others have to say in grade school but I think with today’s world it is getting much harder to just listen. Margaret Wheatley was right when she said people tend to not talk and listen to what other people have to say anymore we seem to be more interested in material goods. People hardly even talk to each other anymore every just text everything they have to say to one another. I think we are all guilty of doing this because I know when I have something to tell someone else I tend to just text the person instead of picking up the phone to talk to them. Also I think a person who can just listen to what someone else has to say is very important but nowadays it is hard to find someone like that. I really like how The International Listening Association said that after someone is done talking you should wait three seconds to respond to what they said you will more than likely get more information out of the person and it will show them you care.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone conducted any studies to show anything about people who listen to what others have to say?
Kaila Hardy Block A
We are raised in a competitive society in which we are challenged to learn from our mistakes and to survive. The Catholic Church teaches us, however, that we will be judged on how we treat others. Being a friend to others is easier said then done as we may grow impatient and frustrated, but the most important quality in a friendship is respect. Mutual respect establishes mature relationships where there is a balance of give and take, listening and talking, helping and being helped. In this article, we are shown the importance of listening to others as a sign of support in their lives. Although numerous times friends come to us for advice, most of the time they are just looking to complain. Listening is a fabulous way to be there for a friend. As the article said, "true listening heals." Margaret Wheatley studies and actions have proved the importance of listening in our relationships as it will make for a better world.
ReplyDeleteAre more teenagers looking for advice or just to complain when they go to a friend? What are adults most likely looking for? How do they differ?
Kayte Tuleta
A Block
This article really made me take a step back and think. I realized how many times a day I would just really stop and listen to others. I realized that it was less than I expected. Even when I try, my head is always going a million miles an hour. im always trying to figuire out what I'm going to do next or where I have to be. This generation is crazy with having so many extracurriculars and I believe that if we really took the time to truly listen to others we could make life less stressful. This article made me question what things did Margaret Wheatley see in American society as "red flags" that made her write her novel? Also can America's society be changed or are we too far gone?
ReplyDelete-Alyssa D
Block C
I really like the idea of silence solving problems and listening to people rather than talking. It would help everyone become less self-centered, and more aware of others' problems and the problems of the world. Being patient and understanding, and taking time outside of our busy lives for other people would make a huge difference in our world. So simple, yet so unusual for our society. I disagree with the next part of the article, though. I do not think people are turning away from others and more towards material things as drastically as the article suggests. People still value personal relationships, and conversations. Take SJA, for example. People wait all day just to talk to their friends; you don't see them chatting with their pencils, or purses, or shoes. Personal relationships make everyone happy, give our lives meaning; I don't think people would trade them in for material possessions that easily. I also think it's kind of sad that humans have come to the point where they need a book telling them what to say and explaining how to interact with other people. It makes humans seem like primitive feelingless beings who can't think for themselves. Quite frankly, I do not think we are like that at all. Even though modern technology such as e-mailing and texting has taken some of the personal touch out of communicating, I do not feel we have become insensitive zombies.
ReplyDelete--Whenever I talk to someone, I do not think about "winning the conversation." In fact, I've never heard of this concept before. Is it really that popular?
-kathe p. block b
This article is so approperiate for the world today becasue of so many reasons. For one thing we as a society are in fact turning to our material good instead of turning to eachother. We are depending on things that can't talk or listen or help us when we need something more. We also need to stop and listen we need to learn that certian individuals don't always have to have the last word. The world as a whole needs to works together and listen to what the other has to say. Maybe if we did than thier would be less war, fighting, mistrust and negative things in the world. I personally know that i ahve to listen more but its bewildering to think what the world would be like if everyone did.
ReplyDeleteDo people really go into a converstion thinking "i'm going to win!"?
that was Katie J block A
ReplyDeleteThis article brings up some good points. These days everyone is so materialistic. We focus all our attention on the things we have, as well as the things we want. What we should be doing is focusing on each other. The article also points out that even when we are talking to others or interacting with others, it is still often about ourselves trying to "win". We need to focus more on others and give them time to say what they need to say. Also, no one likes to be interrupted, and you feel special when people listen to you, so the idea that listening to others as opposed to trying to win or console seems like a good idea.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: What are some other listening tips?
Anna C, Block C
I thought that this article was very interesting. I think that listening is something that people don't do often, in some cases causing more problems. I wish that it was more common and appreciated. The article considers listening an act of healing. But this healing power can be very challenging for not only adults but for children. It's something that we have to learn and it's become harder to. And when we do we will be better off and be able to better understand the world.
ReplyDeleteAs of today, are the listening skills of people getting better?
Ellie B. Block B
I think this article makes a lot of sense. It is very true that a lot of people do not listen very much in conversations. Very often, one person will just keep talking and when the other person gets a word in, they don't actually listen to what they say because they are probably more worried about what they are going to say next. I think people really should listen to each other more. When you just listen to what someone has to say, you can learn more about them and understand them more. When you listen, you can learn more about how to do things.
ReplyDeleteWhy is listening so hard for a lot of people?
Rebecca A, Block C
This article seems to tell us what we should already know by way of common sense. Many arguments could be avoided if we only kept our mouths shut and listened to the other people involved. Listening, for some reason, is much harder for us to do than talking. Talking might, on a grand scale, fix many of the world's problems and maybe even prevent wars. As we've been told since preschool: We have one mouth and two ears, so we should listen more than we talk. True as it is, this remains a challenge to everyone.
ReplyDeleteWhat do people find so challenging about listening to the ideas of others?
Erin J. Block C
It is difficult to understand why so many people have an issue with listening to others, why so many people need to have these "tips" to help them. This article emphasizes that most people turn away from each other, which truly saddens me. Listening, as the article says, can prevent wars. If everyone in the world just -listened- to everyone else, the world wouldn't have as many fights as it does. Yet people still ignore each other and continue to not listen to what others are saying, which leads our world deeper and deeper into turmoil.
ReplyDeleteWhy is the world we live in so selfish that we need to have -tips- for how to listen better?
CC Freund, B Block
This article displays a very consistant theme that goes on in the world. In my opinion, more people like to talk then to take their time to listen to others. Many people seem to think that by talking, they can releive their stress or anger or whatever feeling and just feel relieved, but some take it to far. Sometimes people are so mad or sad or jealous that they like to break others down just so they can feel better, and this is why we lose listeners. This article talks about how important listeners are and how they should behave or respond, but the talkers are just as important. It's like a relationship- both sides have to cooperate in order for it to work out. Michael Kahn's book helps to demonstrate this theory. But when both sides do their part, things end in harmony and the healing process takes its begining.
ReplyDeleteDo phychiatrists consider themsleves more as this kind of described listener, or as a profession?
Alexis Lees, Block B
This article is very true. Listening is the key to everything. Even if it's just one of your friends having a bad day, you just sitting down and listening to them can make a difference. many people today choose not to really listen but listen to what someone is saying and figuring out what they are going to say next. that is not listening. "It is time we learned that history only repeats itself because nobody was listening the first time." this quote from the article may be true. in fact, if we did just sit down and listen to our history we could have stopped many things. look at our economy today. we aren't exactly in a depression but we are in a recession. if we would have been more responsible and listened we wouldn't be here in this situation as we were many years ago.
ReplyDelete-Why do so many people find it hard to just listen?
Heather C.
Block B
This article really opened my eyes to see how important a simple thing like listening can be. Most of the time people do not put much thought into listening to one another, and it turns out that just by taking the time to really listen to those around us we could make the world a better place. In the article it states that “Listening is the best medicine against violence,” this is a very revolutionary way of thinking. There have been many ways in which people have tried to stop violence but I think that they missed one of the most important aspects that could help, and that would be the concept of listening. I also thought that it was interesting to hear that when most people have a conservation they turn it into a competition, I think that if more people learn to just listen to learn, what their friends are trying to say instead of trying to win, you can become close to your friends and grow in your relationships. I would like to know how much of an impact listening can have on the world; I know that it can make it a better place, but how?
ReplyDeleteBride S., Block B
I completley agree with this article. It feels like lately talking, in person especially, is not happening enough. Today most people text to communicate when we should all be talking instead. Also, people often try to fill the gaps of silence with words when instead they should be listening to what HAS been said. I think that the organization is doing a good thing by making March a month for awareness, it may catch people's attention.
ReplyDelete-Is SJA doing anything for International Awareness month?
Sarah R block C
This article was a really interesting one to read and I really liked it. In addition, the article is so true with the listening facts. The simplest thing like listening we take advantage of so often with conversation. The fact that no one wants to listen to anyone anymore is ridiculous. We expect the world to change and be better but there is no way of doing that unless we listen to one another. I know with my friends if I don't listen or pay attention when their talking they aren't going to do the same for me. Listening is a huge game of give and take with respect. If you give your full attention and listening ability the other person is going to the same. Overall, this article is just a big eye opener to show that we need to listen to people and the fact that if we give our full attention it can heal.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Why is it so difficult for some people to just listen or understand why its so important?
Kristina C.
Block C.
This article demonstrates that listening is the best method against violence. In the article it gives on how we should stop and listen to what is going on in the world. According to Margaret Wheatley's book, everything she said was true. People today are so into material goods that we never take time to just listen to one another. I completely agree with The International Listening Association declaring March to be International Awareness Month. This organization's campaign gives tips on how to listen. People should strive to listen to one another even though it could be a challenge sometimes.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Why do people think about "winning" in the conversation?
Jessica Delgado Block A
This article raises a great point that I think many people need to learn. While it's good to give advice, sometimes the best thing to do is just listen. With such a busy lifestyle, many people get so wrapped up that they forget the simple, beautiful things in life. God made man and woman to be interdependent, we need each other. We need to listen to each other. I think it's an excellent idea to make March International Awareness Month. Maybe now people will realize just how important silence is. My questions is, what could the students at St. Joes do to promote this? Also, how will this month be advertised to the rest of the world?
ReplyDeleteMaddie G
Block B
this article gave me a new idea when it comes to listening. like hannah and i were arguing a few weeks ago about interrputing each other, we both know its not a very good thing to do. i wouldnt say i necessarily try to win in convorastions, but there are still many people who tend to express their ides when others have not finished theirs and who dont listen to other people in return.
ReplyDeleteAre they making it publically known for Awareness month?
mo bole, block c
This article states a good point about how even though its good to give people advice it's often better just to listen to hwta they have to say. just listening can mean a lot to that person. In Wheatley's book, everything she said was true. People today are so into material goods that they never take time to just listen to one another. I think that the International Awareness month is a great idea and i hope people go through with it. My only question is how are people going to know that march is the International Awarenes month?
ReplyDeleteGenna Capasso Block: A
The article is about truly listening to others. They want us to take what others are saying and apply it to ourselves. One of the ways we learn in this world is by listening to others but we can never learn if we don't ever listen. This article has many good points about listening to others and that people tell us things to get a new perspective on the idea whether the perspective is for us or them. If we have an actual conversation with someone we can give and get information which is what a conversation is supposed to be.
ReplyDelete-What are they planning to do in March since it is awareness month?
Cristyn E. block C
In reading this article I fully believe that people are more focused on material things rather than more important things in the world. I also believe that being a good listener takes much concentration and it is hard to do. This article is one that will stick with me because even if you are at a loss for words in a situation, your actions do speak louder than words. I also believe that listening and being there are more important than having something to say all the time.
ReplyDeleteHow can we become better listeners? What is SJA doing to promote this awareness month?
Maggie Berry, Block A
This article is all about listening to what others have to say. "Listening, true listening heals." This quote to me means that even if someone doesn't give a full response to what a person has to say about something, just listening can be therapy for them. I myself feel much better when I'm able to "vent" to my friends and family about a certain situation. Even though they may not know what to say in response, I truely feel a lot better because I had someone there to listen to me. I think its remarkable that Margaret Wheatley specializes in listening to what people have to say. Considering she has gone all over the world proves to me that she is interested in peoples reactions to certain situations. By supplying silence as a response to someones statements, we are able to allow themselves to deal and cope with whatever is bothering them at the time. By staying silent, we allow ourselves to comfort and be good friends to our friends who really just need someone to listen to them.
ReplyDeleteWhat are some more tips on how to listen to people that are given out during International Awareness Month?
Chelsea F, Block B
This article is very true. People do not talk to each other as much and no one is really ever there to listen. When people have conversations, everyone always wants to be the one talking instead of the one listening. This is a form of communication that everyone needs. Everyone needs to be a talker and a listener. When you talk to people, you can tell them how you really feel and it can create bonds between people or just keep a relationship strong with either family or friends. You also need to be a listener so that when others tell you something, you are there to help and support them. Listening is the key to making a difference in the world because when we listen to others, we know how other people are feelings, we know what is going on in the world, and when we listen to others we then know not to make mistakes that others did.
ReplyDeleteIt says that "listening is the best medicine against violence." Can listening to others really stop violence in our world?
Kristyn W
Block C
I think this article is very true. Everybody wants to be the one heard and listened to, but nobody wants to be the listener. But, it's always better when we are listeners, because someone else always has something to say and needs to be heard. And in return, we should hope that when we are speaing that others will listen too. Sometimes not talking and just listening to a friend or family member shows our support of them and that we care about what they are saying. I liked the quote "If listening is hard, conducting a stimulating conversation will be harder still." Its saying that in order to truly be able to talk and have conversations, we need to have silence and listen.
ReplyDeleteWhat are some other tips on how to listen?
Hannah S., Block C
This article about listening to what others have to say, is very true! People talk and talk, but how much is the other one truly listening? It was very true when it said sometimes its better merely listening to one and showing support rather than trying to find something to say to them. Listening to others is key is moving our world forward because we know everyones opinions and thoughts. If no one listened in this world we would have no one to talk to. "Listening, true listening heals", this quote caught my attention because people talk to others so they can get feed back and get help. If I did not read this article I would not of known this was International Awareness Month, how will we spread these ideas of listening to others?
ReplyDeleteamy s block a
This article explains to us why listening to others is very important. Sometimes when you speak before you think and don't listen, you can end up saying the wrong thing that might hurt someone else. I enjoyd reading this article and learning some of the tips that you can use to help you with talking to others, expecially when you aren't interested or the conversation is boring. They also say how listening is key and listening heals. No matter how you view it, having good listening skills is an important part in yopu life and a way to live by.
ReplyDeleteMy question is: How can we teach children who are growing up, better listening skills and attention skills?
hannah flanagan c block
My favorite quote from this article was, “Friends listen, unconditionally.” I know that my friends will listen to me, even if I have nothing to say, and I would do the same for them. However, I didn’t like how the article only focused on physical listening, just hearing what people say. People don’t always say what they mean or mean what they say. Therefore, listening requires use of the mind and heart as well as the ears. Nancy Guilmartin briefly alludes to the idea that it isn’t what you say that matters, but how you say it. The unspoken language is just as important as what is spoken, but this article neglected that aspect of listening.
ReplyDeleteWhat does Nancy Guilmartin mean when she says, “Conversations that are meant to heal are messy by definition - the disease will come to the surface?”
Mary Jo M., Block B
I think that this article was very interesting. I often have problems giving people advice and helping them when they need it. I never know what to say in difficult situations. I feel awkward at funerals because I don't know how to make the people feel better. Reading about how listening is more effective than talking back really helped me prepare for the next time someone needs me to help them. I really liked the quote "History only repeats itself because nobody was listening the first time". I think that quote is very true. We need to start listening to help the world become a better place, and to help our relationships grow stronger.
ReplyDeleteI agree that silence can help stop violence, but couldn't it also help it continue? If you saw someone being robbed and screaming for help shouldn't you not stay silent?
^Julie Jensen Block C
ReplyDeleteListening, true listening heals. That quote summed up the article for me. People who are expressing their grief to you want you to listen, they do not want sympathy they just want someone to talk to and someone to listen to them talk. I really do agree with this article. People who join conversations tend to take over the conversation just to listen to themselves talk. The definition of conversation is, oral communication between persons. Many people in today’s society use electronics to communicate with others. I do not see that as a bad thing, but the person to person conversation in today’s society is lacking. To true listen to what people have to say. Just taking three seconds after someone talks to realize that they really do have more to say. I really liked this article I truly do believe many of these aspects are true, pure listening not just listening to yourself, thinking of others and truly hearing what they have to say would create an essence of compassion in our society.
ReplyDeleteDo you think we can bring society together as a whole and explain this conflict and try to resolve it? , by showing them paying more attention to everyone opposed to just ourselves would reflect a much better world.
Taylor W. Block C
I really liked this article because it talks about something that we have a very difficult time doing; listening. The article says that after someone has been talking, wait three seconds before responding and you will get so much more information out from the person talking. I feel as if people never really listen to each other anymore and waiting three seconds could really help people focus on just listening. Our communication skills in today's society have decreased very much. I feel as if people will just ask questions to get the information they want but never really care about anything else. For example, when you see someone you know in a public place and they say, "Hi, how are you? and you could say "I'm having a horrible day.." and since they're not really listening they will be like "Oh great! Well nice seeing you." I believe with Nancy Guilmartin's theory that silence and listening could solve many problems. My one question is: Do you think it is possible that having an awareness month will really make a difference?
ReplyDeleteJulie DeLong, Block A
I really enjoyed reading this article. I think that for many of us it is hard to listen. We only hear what we want to hear, and the rest we just block out. "listening to each other's stories, needs, fears and dreams, even to those we have come to call 'the enemy'." This qoute is comepletely true. We must listen to not only what we want to hear but everything. Giving support and listening to many people, really helps people in many ways. Listening really helps people in difficult times, even if you do not know how to respond. Just being there and listening truely makes a different and that is why "silence is golden" and listening is important. My one question is what other ways are there to be an effective listener, rather then blocking out what we dont want to hear?
ReplyDeleteMolly Donahue, Block A
This article reminding me of many sayings. I remember this sign that my music teacher had in her classroom that said, "listen and silent include the letters" or something close to that. It's saying that you must be silent in order to listen which is what the Dalai Lama was saying at the beginning of article. I liked how it discussed that when someone is going through something, it is more important to listen to them than even giving advice. Most people, as a greeting, say, "Hi, How are you?", but no one really means it. It is almost sad. No, it is sad. You say texting is the end of socialization, but really civilization did that on its own without technology. Still, I have no doubt in my mind that it will fix itself soon enough. How can we convince the public to do this sooner than later?
ReplyDeleteEllie W. Block C
Listening is one of the hardest things for me to do. Mainly because I am very impatient and I have a hard time concentrating on things. Even though its difficult for me to do, I make a huge effort to listen when I need to. Its pretty important to listen to people because if you don't listen completely to what someone is saying you may misinterpret something and make a fool out of your self and other people. Also listening is learning. And by listening to each other we learn valuable life lessons, and knowledge. Silence is extremely important in global understanding, and daily life situations.
ReplyDeleteEven though listening is important, isn't it just as important to open your voices and speak?
Kira Scerbin Block C
ReplyDeleteThe article makes good points about how listening can be just as healing as talking or venting. Generally people like to talk on and on but mostly about themselves. I think that the tendency to take action immediately instead of contemplating things kind of reflects the American way of life more so than any other part of the world. Americans tend to be rushed towards their personal goals for the day rather than taking the time to stop and see what is going on around them. One aspect that is overlooked though is that AFTER you listen, it is equally important to respond to what you hear. Would you feel comforted talking to somebody who ignores you?
ReplyDeleteMolly Maloney Block B
I think this article was really interessting to read. In our society today so many people talk and not enough listen. If we could all take the time to listen to one another and especially listen to God our world and relationships would be much stronger. I am usually a pretty good listener but I know there are times when I talk way to much. By listening to God I am foollowing what he wants me to do and that is the best thing.
ReplyDeleteMy question is how can you get people aware that listening is just as imporatant as speaking?
Maddie Keefe B Block
I found this article very intersting. In our society,it is totally true that we have lost our listening ability.I thought it was cool how they looked at it from the pyschological perspective and its really cool how you put it in perspective that healing can be caused by listening.When Margaret Wheatley, said that when people tel stories of success they often start out with something along hte lines of " i was sitting talking with my freinds..." I definatly believe that with thinking out loud, it normally is with friends and it is the best way to process things, aloud and part of that is having someone listen.
ReplyDeleteIf we could listen to one another more, our relationships would grow deeper. We can not only transfer this method over to our friends, family and others, but to God. We need to take more tim e to listen to what he has to say.
my question is how can we develop different techniques as to showing how listening is as important and effective as speaking?
Emilee Petrus B BLOCK