Communication is a two-way process. Speaking and listening. But the one who speaks often is not given adequate listening. Most of our conversations are monologues. We are more interested in being heard, to have our ideas accepted, and our demands fulfilled. We tend to be more on the defensive. Instead of listening, we are preparing our defences, finding fault with the other party’s proposition. This is why there is a communication breakdown not just between individuals, organizations and society, but the world at large. Listening requires tremendous effort, emptying ourselves of our concerns, preoccupations, and strongly held convictions, and listening with the ears of our heart to what the person is saying and not saying. It requires humility and self-emptying to listen with compassion and with love.