Did you know that there is an art to listening?? Well, there is. So very often, you can be having a conversation with someone, and although you may not realize it, you are not really present. Oh yes… you are present in the physical a sense, but your mind is elsewhere. Listening requires you to be completely present in every sense. If you are on your mobile device, or thinking about something you need to take care of then you are not fully present. If your thoughts are drifting elsewhere, although you may think you are listening, you are not hearing what’s being said. You may be hearing the words, but losing the message. That’s the difference between listening and hearing. You must give your full attention in order to listen effectively. This is the only way to hear what is being said, and to understand what you are hearing.
There is so much information that can be lost or misinterpreted when you are not really listening. Feelings and emotions can get lost. Thoughts and beliefs can be misunderstood. Not to mention important facts that may be missed. Failing to recognize what is most important to the person speaking can cause wires to get crossed, which can lead to hurt feelings, tension and frustrations with both the speaker and you the listener. So goes the relationship, be it friend, family, or business.
We all want to be heard. So next time you indulge in a conversation with someone, make sure you are fully present, ready to listen and hear what the other person has to say. Communicating back will let the speaker know what they have to say is important, and you care enough to listen. This type of active listening will resonate back to you and enhance communications, with clarity for both parties.
Listening invites our presence to attention. It creates a partnership by which we converse.
Thanks Jill this is so true.. I think the world would be a much happier place if we could all apply your suggestions!
Thank you Sher.. as always.
You are correct in that remark.. but we can all do our part, a little bit at a time, each day.. and work towards living in a happier place.. physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Warmest Regards,
Jill
Hi Jill,
This is a great topic. I have been on both ends of this. It does take a lot of concentration to listen.
Thank you Sandy.
Indeed it does concentration to really listen, especially if your are bored or preoccupied.
But it is so important.. and when you really listen, then it’s wonderful for both parties.
Thank you so much for reading this blog.. I always hope that in some small way it brings a bit of inspiration to your life.
Warmest Regards,
Jill
Thanks for this blog. I feel like you wrote this to me… This is something I have been actively working on; Listening more, learning to close my mouth and be more selective of my words, recognizing that words have power. Perhaps there’s something in that we have 2 ears and 1 mouth… ya think? I am a work in progress.
Brandee:
Thanks so much for your comment!
Very clever expressing it that way.. 2 ears and 1 mouth! Wonderful. I will have to write on “The Art of Speaking” (lol) Watch for it!
You will be amazed at what you really hear when you listen actively and give those who are speaking your full attention. It’s a win-win situation for both the speaker and the listener.
Warmest Regards,
Jill