Today's Creativity Jijiji opens with a story about the first printed Advent calendar, and we use that small door as a metaphor for a bigger one: how intentional listening opens the space between us. We move from the reflex of hearing to the craft of listening, exploring why attention is an act of love and how silence, safety, and subtext shape honest conversation.

Patty and Chris get candid about their own habits—interrupting, noisy minds, and the work of waiting. We break down the difference between passive hearing and active listening, then dig into the skills that make connection possible: holding space, noticing the rhythm in every voice, and letting pauses do part of the storytelling. As a composer and writer, Chris shares how cadence, breath, and rests reveal character, while Patty reframes listening as the greatest gift of love, the moment we choose presence over performance.

You’ll leave with practical ways to listen better today. Slow the pace so truth can show up. Summarize what you heard and ask if you got it right. When your mind races for the next line, drop from head to heart and let curiosity lead. Hear the stories wrapped in silence, the meaning under the words, and the door you open when you choose attention on purpose.

Walk this audio advent with us and practice the gift we all need. If the conversation resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who values deep dialogue, and leave a review telling us one habit you’ll try this week.

Thanks for listening.