The talkers and the listeners

Anil Moyo

“It takes all sorts of people to make this world”. By this adage we get a clear cut message that we have to live in this world in perfect harmony with different types of people; having diverse characters. Many a time we like to associate ourselves only with jovial people, who are witty, speak positive about ourselves and give approval to whatever we say. In fact it is flattery which looks like friendship.

In today’s modern world of ‘Buy one get one free’ although life appears to be quite cozy and comfortable, a commoner has to live under a constant stress due to skyrocketing prices of the essential commodities and surging inflation rate.

Once a friend of mine quite baffled with the new tax structure, went haywire and called me up. “Hey! look, I am totally fed up and do not know how to come out of the trauma”. Reacting sharply I said ‘it’s a good sign, now try to expose yourself for boredom and get rid of your entire tension. ‘Are you crazy’? Why on earth would I choose to be bored? Trying to convince him, I exclaimed ‘look if you allow yourself to be bored, even for a couple of hours, the entire feeling of your boredom will soon be replaced with a feeling of peace and you will be totally relaxed.

It should be borne in mind that “Negativity kills negativity”.  The other positive aspect of ‘negativity’ is that the same false told repeatedly becomes the truth one day. The futile efforts by our politicians to classify the coconut tree into the family of grass is its classic example. 

All the politicians with a common vested interest were trying to impress upon the minds of people an utter ‘lie’ that coconut tree is not a tree but grass so frequently that it appeared as if there is an acute shortage of ‘truth’ and wisdom in our tiny state. But the better sense prevailed and the tree which is considered to be sent by the God still stands tall with its original pride and glory swaying its long arms in the heaven.

Having given patient hearing to my talk he interrupted ‘But how to find a bore? Trying to make him comfortable I reacted “Look generally there are two types of bores. Those who talk too much and those who listen too little. However, there is a third type of a bore who is not easily found. It’s very rare’. As rare as finding a ‘fiat’ or an ‘Ambassador’ on the road. His unique feature is that he will not stop talking even after realising that you have stopped listening to him. In fact you require one such type, for your therapy. After getting friendly with him, once you should take him for a treat and get yourself totally exposed to him.

Remember a class one bore never runs short of subjects apart from cricket, hockey & football, he can speak at length on any subject. After getting totally exposed to the boredom come back home and relax; soon you will realise that a strange sensation running through your veins.Thus bringing total tranquillity to your mind and body without a single ‘pill’ and a doctor’s ‘bill’.

After a week, one fine morning, an energetic voice greeted me on the Phone ‘Hi Anil’, thanks, I am extremely fine with your therapy. You are really a wonderful therapist! Listen, I have a plan in mind to open a therapy centre fully financed by me.  My money and your therapy should work well. Isn’t it? Of course why not? I replied instantly, but only on one condition ‘Profit will I have, loss you bear’. He had a big laugh before he hung up