When was the last time you experienced a total, uninterrupted moment with another person?

Where, just for a moment, the other person was all that you could hear and see?

Where, just for a moment, all your attention was focused on them?

Where, just for a moment, they were the most important person in the world?

John Steinbeck wrote, “Try to understand men, if you understand each other you will be kind to each other. Knowing a man well never leads to hate and nearly always leads to love.”

Ponder that for a moment.

Now, imagine what the world would look like if we all practiced understanding first.

Stephen Covey captured a similar sentiment when he wrote, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

But seeking to understand takes intent. It takes time.

And not shallow time, flitting between disengaged and engaged.

It requires big, full moments of time without distractions.

The next time you have the good fortune of engaging with another person, give them your full attention, even if it’s for just a short amount of time.

And yes, I say good fortune because having the opportunity to spend time with someone should not be taken for granted. In fact, many lonely individuals crave attention and interaction with other humans.

So, put Steinbeck’s and Covey’s words into practice and experience the richness that an uninterrupted, fully engaged moment with another person can provide for them and for you.

P.S. Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed it, don’t keep it secret – share it with one person you love.