I am a talker, like many of you may also be, so patience does not come easily to me. We all have many thoughts but quieting ourselves to not only listen to others, but listen for direction from God can be trying.
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"~James 1:19
Have you ever taken the time, if for only 5 minutes to go outside and listen to the sounds of nature? Have you noticed how calming and relaxing it makes you feel? Have you ever noticed how the sound of music calms your spirit? Listening brings about peace within ourselves. It creates a calming effect throughout our souls. Now don't get me wrong, at times it is good to vent and let out our frustrations, but usually we as humans do this so that we can be heard by someone. Innately everyone wants to feel like they have a voice in this crazy world we live in and that what they have to say is of importance. The way that others know they feel important to you, is by being heard or listened to.
I have found that the holidays are a good time to really sit down and just have good conversation no matter what the topic may be about. Many people come year end begin to evaluate the previous year and all the events that occurred to make year end resolutions. Taking the time to hear someone else's story can many times bring about a change in lifestyle to someone else. It can also make one see just how grateful they are about certain aspects in their own life and appreciate things or people more. There is always someone out there who is going through a tougher time than you are. You may be surprised of how good you feel after taking the time out to hear someone out.
In the same token, God wants to be heard out and the only way to do so, is to become quiet and still. No God is not going to come down and have a direct conversation with you, but He will send others to you to tell you something that you need to hear and it is only in quietness can we recognize this. For me, sitting outside and just listening to nature is my time when I commune with God. Find you spot, your special place, to just sit quietly and not only talk to God, but just listen and you never know what God may lay on your heart or what awareness you may come to.