One of my favorite teachers and writers is Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh who has created a beautiful affirmation for deep listening that is the root of understanding, joy and can help to eliminate suffering in our interactions with one another to live together peacefully.

‘Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I vow to cultivate loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I vow to learn to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy, and hope.

I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to criticize or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.’

Thich Nhat Hanh