I have communication problems. That’s why I am in a communication class. Online–we’ll talk about that later.

I was once told something very important that stuck with me. My best ex told me that it felt like he was talking to a brick wall. And I’m not mad or offended by that, I just worry that’s how I continue to be.

One reason that I/we/people aren’t fully listening is because we are being too self-centered.

In this video, one speaker says that laying down your cross meant having your own ambitions be no more important than the person you’re speaking to.

I can’t lay down my cross and serve God if I am not LISTENING and responding appropriately to other people. I am ashamed at how bad of a communicator I have been. But if taking up my cross means pushing through my emotional turmoil, my schizo-bipolar diagnosis, and everything…to make this school work my job and to grow from it. God doesn’t want his children to be brick walls. I can’t help anyone if I can’t—HEAR THEM. That’s it!!!

Why did I (in sin) have ears that couldn’t hear? Because I couldn’t listen.

There was too much psychological noise and SELF centeredness for me to be able to listen to and connect with others.

Here’s the solution I see: Put aside your concerns and dreams and just LISTEN to the other people. Be present with them. Take in their body language instead of fretting about yourself. Die to your “SELF” and let the Spirit take the reins.

I wonder if it would help if I re-conceptualize myself as a floating Spirit of righteousness (or any other aspect of the Holy Spirit) when I’m listening to someone speak?