From Robert Louis Stevenson's "Fear Not, Dear Friend, But Freely Live Your Days"
If someone called you and spewed all of what was said on the blog, would you turn them away or hang up on them because they were having a moment of rage or irritation they needed a third party to help them work through? Do we judge simply on the basis of one sentence in one grand scheme of a story without asking for more details or even knowing that person or what he/she is going through professionally, personally, physically?
Posted by Centrifugal Bumble-Puppy, March 13, 2006. 10:18am
I'd like to comment on CBP's remarks for a minute. There is a profundity to these words, and one even greater in what has been left unsaid. Do we look deep into the words we hear to listen to the speaker's heart? For me, I am severely out of practice because, well, when I do get to listen to English, I am usually greedy to be heard. But there was a time when I was a good listener.
On one level we can take from CBP's comments the advice to listen deeply to what we hear people saying. This is especially true as PCVs. We have a tendency to become a bit isolated. If you isolate yourself, fine. See you at COS. Have a nice service. But for those of us that do have a hard time, for those of us to whom integration is not easy, for those of us who daily struggle to stay positive, we need good listeners.
Now, the other level. Should PC be one of those listeners? Well frankly, I don't see why not. But here's the frustrating part: what if I have gone to them with my concerns and they don't offer ample support? To whom do I turn then? Every PCV finds his or her support. Some people drink too much alcohol, some people travel every weekend, some find random drugs to take, others write, the majority combine all of these methods and close off the sensors that say, "you should be healthier inside and be a better teacher/youth development worker/ community development worker." Most of us start down the path of disenchantment. We come here as bright and fluffy young adults ready to conquer the world and we get a swift kick in the pants toward submission, bureaucracy, and unchangeable things.
Whatev's i mean, que sera sera.
Okay, neither of us believe that. What's the answer? Be a better listener. Be a better talker. Find a healthy outlet. Some people don't go to their PC staff with their problems. Some people go to their program staff without making any attempts to fix the situation on their own. It's all about middle ground I reckon.
Here's my nugget of wisdom: There is a difference between hearing and listening. Try to genuinely listen to the words, actions, emotions, and expressions of those around you. They may be crying out for your shoulder, ear, hand [insert synecdocheic image here].
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