For months we have heard stories about the program initiated by the NSA  to listen to the conversations of many of our citizens.There has been an outcry against what many consider an invasion of privacy.I think that there are valid concerns on both sides of the issue but the reality of listening to others is a different issue. Often we talk over each other or feign listening while preparing our next response.Even those who are close to us may get only a veneer of true listening. When we open ourselves to dedicated listening we often see beyond the trivial to the core of the person who is speaking. There is real gold  of understanding and connection when we stifle the urge to speak and listen with our hearts.