How can you silence your thoughts while listening?

That is not the same as letting someone finish what they wanted to say (and another one speak their mind).

Isn’t the beauty of helping others solving their problems in adding your perspective and thoughts, to broaden theirs?

Perhaps calming down, not rushing to state your opinion sounds better.

People often shift from one pole to another, ‘crucifying’ the opposite, but failing to realize there is no good or bad, only two poles of the same whole.

You cannot listen without thinking.

It is also pointless to listen without replying (verbally or non-verbally), as both form communication.

And I am certain we need to learn to communicate ‘better,’ not just listen. Saying what you mean properly, instead of just spewing it out without caring how it will be interpreted, is also a vital part of communication.