Most of the time we listen in order to answer. While the other is still speaking, something in us is already preparing a reply, agreeing or disagreeing, waiting for its turn.
Notice what happens when this preparing rests, even for a moment. The words continue. The birds continue. Footsteps on the path continue. And all of it appears in the same open space.
Who is listening now? Look, rather than think. There is hearing, and no one needs to be found who does it. There is only the listening itself, wide and quiet.
Listening is not something we do. It is what we are.
This cannot be practised into being, because it is already the case. What can be noticed is the small leaning forward into an answer, and that it can soften by itself.
Perhaps in your next conversation, let the other finish completely. Let a short silence come before you speak, and see what is there in that silence.
