Understanding

My eyes were opened today to something that I've long tried to understand....

'Be ever hearing, but never understanding;  

be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' 

I've always thought this to be an odd phrase as I question how someone can hear and not understand.

The circle of students had such life to it as I stood among them.  I listened to their words at the top courtyard of La Michelena.  I could clearly comprehend each word that was uttered and even repeat it in my mind.  Yet, as the laughter came and went or the seriousness took it's stand I was left in a cloud of fog without any idea of where I was.  My desire to take part and make worth of the conversation was present but I just couldn't fully step into it.  I am thankful that I wanted to understand.  What a world it would be if I constantly heard people but had no inkling to truly understand them?  I would be left alone. . . friendless. . . thoughtless . . . stagnant!  I worry for those who's ears & eyes work but nothing beyond that.