During a discussion where opinions strongly clashed, my first instinct was to interrupt and explain myself.
My heart was beating faster, and I could feel tension building in my shoulders.
Everything in me wanted to defend my position right away.

For a brief moment, I paused and chose not to react defensively.
I gently said, “I’d really like to understand what you’re thinking,” and stayed quiet.
At first, the other person seemed surprised.

Then they slowly began to speak more honestly and calmly.
As they talked, I noticed details in their experience I had completely missed before.
Their voice softened, and the sharp edge in the conversation gradually disappeared.

I found myself listening not to respond, but to understand.
In that moment, I felt God the Mother teaching me that listening requires humility and courage.
By the end of the conversation, mutual respect had quietly grown where tension once stood.

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