Lesson 2:
The Difference Between Hearing and Listening

Frida Kahlo’s painting The Wounded Deer teaches us about the difference between hearing and listening—just like the lesson we’re learning today. At first glance, the painting shows a deer with arrows in its body, but if we look closer (like active listeners do), we notice more: the deer’s human-like face (Kahlo’s own), the stormy sky, and the quiet forest. Kahlo didn’t just see her pain—she listened to it, using art to express feelings words couldn’t capture.

In this lesson, we practice listening like we studied the painting:

1. Observing First: Just as we silently noticed details in the artwork, good listening starts with paying full attention—not just waiting to talk.

2. Understanding Deeper: The deer’s sad eyes tell a story, just like a speaker’s tone or pauses share hidden meaning. Active listening helps us "read between the lines."

3. Respecting Silence: Kahlo’s painting speaks loudly without words. Similarly, staying quiet when others talk shows respect and helps us truly hear them.

When we listen actively, we’re like detectives—finding clues in what people say and don’t say. Kahlo’s art reminds us that listening isn’t just about sound; it’s about caring enough to focus deeply. Try it today: When someone speaks, imagine you’re studying The Wounded Deer. What details can you discover if you really listen?