Listening with Our Eyes Closed: Message v. Messenger

Listening with Our Eyes Closed: Message v. Messenger

When was the last time you listened with your eyes closed?

Not distracted. Not analyzing the outfit, the title, the car, the résumé, but truly listening for what was being said.

I’ve been reflecting on how often it isn’t the message we reject, but the messenger. I remember walking out of a grocery store and being approached by someone who appeared to be un-housed. He shared something with me and I could feel that he knew exactly what he was talking about; he had experience and inside knowledge.  I believed him. That moment stayed with me because it made me question how frequently we dismiss insight simply due to presentation.

We say we value substance. We say titles don’t define respect. We say actions speak louder than words, but how do we respond when those beliefs are tested?

If someone has an impressive résumé but a name we can’t pronounce, do we still see their capability? If someone drives a modest car instead of something luxurious, do we still view them as credible? On the other hand, when someone presents themselves with status symbols and prestige, do we discount or over-value the message they bring?

This is not about shaming ourselves. It’s about awareness.

Discernment requires depth. Yes, there are moments when our eyes help us, when nonverbal cues, patterns, or inconsistencies matter. IF we are real with ourselves, we also live in a world where image is curated and perception can be staged. If we rely only on what we see, we can be misled. If we ignore what we see altogether, we can also miss important signals. Discernment and balance are key, whether in our personal, spiritual (as the comedian, Druski, demonstrated), or professional lives.

We make decisions every day about who to trust, who to promote, who to listen to, and who to dismiss. Those decisions impact engagement, morale, and retention more than we realize. When we elevate presentation over performance, or charisma over character, we slowly create environments where appearance feels safer than authenticity.

At some point, we have to ask ourselves: Are we seeking truth or are we seeking comfort? Are we responding to alignment and integrity or to status and symbolism?

For me, I care about the message. I listen first. Then I verify. I try not to be swayed by labels, brands, or titles. While they may reflect achievement, but they do not automatically determine character or wisdom.

Perhaps the goal isn’t to permanently close our eyes. Perhaps it’s to listen with intention, then look with discernment. To pause before dismissing. To examine before believing. To become more aware of what influences us.

If we are going to look, let’s look deeper.

And if we are going to listen, let’s listen for substance.

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