When we focus on cultivating authentic communication in our lives, many of us will only think about speaking – how to speak your truth with integrity, clarity, and compassion. If you missed my post on this aspect of authentic communication Part I: Finding Your Voice, check it out here. Yet, listening is another aspect, often overlooked, of authentic communication. It might seem to be something we do naturally or easily in a conversation, but it’s more complex than we usually realize. Yes, of course, we naturally will face the person speaking and appear to listen, even remembering to be quiet for a while so the other person can speak. But, true listening is so much more. Often when we try to listen, our minds will wander. Maybe judgments or advice arise within us as the other person continues to speak. Maybe we want to respond with our own thoughts and opinions, and we’re simply waiting until they are done or rehearsing what we’ll say even as the other person continues to speak. Maybe the content we hear elicits an emotional response in us and our attention goes to our own feelings about what the other person’s saying. True active listening includes giving the other person your full attention, with focus and presence – holding a space for all that needs to be shared. And even allowing a pause for what’s being shared to live in the space for a moment before responding. The other day, I was out walking on a snow-covered path through the foothills with a friend. She was telling me a story of a young man who was renting a room from her and how she had taken on a motherly role toward him. He was anxious and nervous about the outcome of a recent job interview and he didn’t have any family within this country. So, she’d become his sounding board and support during the interview process. As she told her story, I found myself curious and wanting to interrupt to ask questions. I also contemplated why this story was important to her today. A bluebird flew by and my attention followed the flight of the bird, happy to see this sign of spring at that moment, even as she continued talking. As she neared the end of her story, I found myself disappointed in the way the company had handled the interviewing process and feeling disheartened for the young man and his experience. I wanted to share my opinion of this with her even before she finished speaking. How easily our mind jumps from here to there even when we are trying to listen! How easily our own feelings arise and come to the forefront, overpowering our ability to truly listen to the other. And how hard it is to hold an attentive space – calmly and silently, for a period of time - to truly listen. Not an easy task! But one worth taking up to cultivate deeper relationships with our loved ones and with ourselves! Follow these steps to be an active and attentive listener, holding a space for the speaker to be heard, in the conversation.
Cultivate the art of communication in your daily life and soon you will be on your way to …..
This is the 6th in my series on Radical Self-Care. Watch for more over the next few weeks! You can also access an audio of a mantra to chant to invoke Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of abundance, here in my Free Healing Library. She can support you in your efforts to listen deeply to others, bringing abundance to all. Click here to access the audio.
1 Comment
Communication is a two-way alley. If the person knows how to be effective, then communication does not have to be so hard. You need to be authentic with yourself, and need to be authentic with others in order to communicate strongly to get the result you desire more often. Authentic communication strengthens your credibility. Life is easier, if you let others know how interested you are in their reflections and aspirations. Listening is an important skill. Being an active listener will help you to become an effective communicator.
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About JeannineI was born in London, England, educated in Switzerland, and am fluent in English, German, Spanish, and French. I hold a Doctorate in Ministry Degree and Masters Degrees in Counseling Psychology and Education. Also, I am an accomplished artist and educator. I use all of this and much more when helping others heal their souls. Archives
June 2022
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