Practice loving listening.
Real listening is a lost art and probably explains why so many people feel hurt and defensive. When people don’t feel understood, even simple communication can become a battle.
We are all guilty of interrupting, assuming what someone really means, and/or zoning out altogether when someone else is speaking. The key is to make a connection with someone and really focus on what the other person is saying. Notice their facial expressions and listen for their feelings. You’re less apt to interrupt or think about your own response when you’re completely focused on what they’re saying and how they’re feeling.
In response, the person who feels genuinely heard will experience a fuller heart and often reciprocate with loving listening in return.
Inspiration for the Day: “We think we listen, but we rarely listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces of change that I know.” -Carl Rogers
Note: This is an ongoing series to help provide support during these challenging times. These daily readings are part of an overall book on balance, which includes 12 essentials for maintaining balance to support resilience and your best self. The 12 essentials include mind, body, love, service, self, family, intimacy, purpose, environment/living space, nature, social relations, and spirit. This series is sharing 30 days of lessons about love. It will examine multiple aspects of love and provide knowledge and inspiration for hearts to heal and love to flow. It is designed as a daily reader to allow time to reflect, process and incorporate.
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