How Much Exactly Do We Understand Each Other?

Oriah Mountain Dreamer is a woman whose real name we might never find out.  She is also the author of a book I love. A few days ago she posted on Facebook wall something about a deaf man who criticized Isadora Duncan (a great dancer), it read:

"his deafness meant he could not hear her music so did not "get" her movements..."

Then she posed the question/s:

"Do my/your choices sometimes seem incomprehensible because we're not hearing each other's music/soul song? 

Remembering this, could we broaden/deepen our heart listening, or offer our music in a way that could be more easily heard by other hearts?"

I find the two part question extraordinary. For once, can I open my inner ears and listen to what is actually being discussed?  Can I notice "what is",  by lowering the filter of my own desires and wishes, fears and apprehensions?

And, can I chose my words effectively so that people can clearly understand what I am saying?

The post left me wondering about the two-way street of communication, and I came up with some ideas on how to implement, three simple things to try while navigating each of the two ways of relating with others

To listen better:

• Can I focus on the person I am talking to with full attention, without an agenda?
• Can I clear distractions before I speak with someone?
• Can I clarify what was said to ensure I am not adding my own interpretations to what someone just said?

To respond better:

• Can I take my time before speaking albeit the fear that a person may think I'm spacing out?
• Can allow myself to brain-storm first and provide value in what I answer, out-of-the-box ideas, things that might inspire?
• Can I strive to use intelligence in the way I word my speech, make colors with words, turn conversations into art?

Of course daily conversations are not always critically important, relevant, or even that deep.  But sometimes they are.