Peripheral Hearing

A simple reminder to be present with every conversation today. 

My husband was telling me about his day and the work he had achieved. I was making all the right sounds, nodding my head at the appropriate time etc. He then asked me a question and I answered it, and then he paused and asked, “Were you listening?” 

In that moment I realised I had completely tuned out. I was not paying attention, and as a result I had no idea what question he had asked me 1 minute earlier. 

What I was doing was relying on my peripheral hearing. Taking in just enough information that I thought I knew what was being said yet had actually tuned out. 

This has reminded me how important it is to take the time to be present for every conversation.