Not all communication is verbal. There are times when people close to us try and get across things to us without saying anything. Our ability to pick up what they are conveying goes a long way in not only strengthening the relationship, but also helps us become more aware and sensitive ourselves.

When someone is expressing anger at others but is non-communicative with us, we need to realise that we may well be the cause of their anger. To react to their anger with our silent anger will only worsen the situation. We need to take the first step to break the uneasy silence and give the other person an honest and patient hearing. Listening re-establishes the connection.

When someone goes into a shell, it is not anger, but hurt they may be experiencing. Our ability to be honest with our own past actions will guide us to what is most likely the issue. Talking about what happened and giving an apology when required, repairs and restores the relationship.

When someone is silent and not as enthusiastic about our experiences and success as we are, it may well be that we are so self-consumed with our own life, that we may have neglected someone close to us. Taking a genuine interest in what is going on in their life and giving them attention, no matter how busy we may be, restores the balance in a relationship.

When someone we work closely with stops engaging, is unwilling to take on responsibilities, and reduces the interactions and participation, it is a sign that the underlying basis of the relationship has fundamentally shifted. To have an honest conversation and understand what seems to have gone wrong can put the relationship back on track.

And when we see someone’s eyes light up and we see a smile on their face when they meet us, we must realise the love and affection they feel for us. A warm hug can communicate more than a hundred words. Developing gratitude for the love we get can keep us grounded.

It is easy to listen to the language of spoken words. When we learn to listen to someone’s feelings with our heart, we have truly learnt to listen.

(Picture-Backwaters of the Godavari river, Nasik)