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When We Hear with Our Brains

It was proof positive this morning that we hear with our brains as well as our ears. I have been told this in the past, but this morning I experienced the phenomenon.

I was on my way to work and decided to pick up some coffee through the drive through, (those lines are so much longer now) and took the time to plan out my day. I had a few moments. When I reached the loud speaker, this was the conversation:

“Good morning, how can I help you?” The loud speaker said.

“I would like a large black coffee please.” I answered.

“What would you like in your coffee?”

(Pause)

” Just the way black coffee comes please.” I said in a tone that was trying to avoid sarcasm.

(Pause)

“Oh…oh…please pull up.”

Now the person on the other end was obviously responding out of habit, or not listening with her brain. She was not being mindful.

Mindfulness has become such an experience of deeper communication for me. I find that when I am present and listen with my ears as well as my brain, true connection happens. Then when I listen with my ears and my brain, and find that I need to also listen with my heart…it gets complicated. Mindfulness definitely takes practice.

I got my coffee by the way. Just like I like it. Sometimes they put sugar and cream on the side to be safe.

Written by:
Dale Hansen
Published on:
April 15, 2021
Thoughts:
8 Comments

Categories: MiscellaneousTags: Doctor of Audiology, ear doctor, family hearing and balance center.cardinal hearing centers, Hearing Aids, Oticon More

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tiffany

    April 15, 2021 at 10:48 am

    Communication is key!

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    • Rich

      April 21, 2021 at 6:08 pm

      Agree. Communication is the key.

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  2. Liz Smith

    April 15, 2021 at 10:53 am

    It’s true that our responses become so mechanical and impersonal over time. We definitely need to practice mindfulness more often! Great post!

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    • Rich

      April 21, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      They certainly can. They can be cause people to be complacent.

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  3. Gail Reagan

    April 15, 2021 at 11:56 am

    We’re all creatures of habit, and do and say things without thinking about it!

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    • Rich

      April 21, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      We sure are Gail.

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  4. Marie

    April 16, 2021 at 7:19 am

    Kind of like answering your own phone how you would answer the work phone. oops.

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    • Rich

      April 21, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      LOL. Good one!

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