21 Ways to Stay in the Peace From Byron Katie（9）

9. Literal Hearing
Practice listening to others in the most literal sense, believing exactly what they say, and do your best to resist falling
into your own interpretations about the information they share with you.

For example, someone might compliment you on how beautiful you are, and you interpret that as an implication that
the person has ulterior motives. Our interpretations of what we hear people say to us are often far more painful or
frightening than what people actually say. We can hurt ourselves with our misconceptions and our thinking for others.
Try trusting that what they say is exactly what they mean: not more, not less. Hear people out. Catch yourself when
you want to finish a sentence for someone either aloud or in your mind. Listen. It can be amazing to hear what comes
out when we allow others to complete their thoughts without interruption. And, when we are busy thinking we know
what they are about to say, we are missing what they are actually saying.

You might want to consider these questions: "What can be threatened if I listen and hear literally? Do I interrupt
because I don't want to really know what they have to say? Do I interrupt to convince them I know more than they
do? Am I attempting to portray an image of self-confidence and control? Who would I be without the need to possess
those qualities? Is there a fear of appearing unintelligent? Would people leave me if I heard them literally, and no
longer engage in manipulative games?"