Just Listen
Do you ever have a hard time listening? Do you easily get distracted? When someone is talking are you busy thinking what you will say in reply? Today on the podcast, we’re exploring listening—listening deeply.
First though, an invitation to support the podcast. Maybe this is your first time listening or perhaps you are a regular. Either way, if the podcast inspires you or helps you to live a happier life, we hope you support it by following or subscribing to it where you listen, by downloading the episodes and by becoming a member by clicking here. Your support matters and we are grateful for it.
You might be surprised how hard it is to listen fully, to listen mindfully—fully present without judgement or an agenda—and from a place of equanimity and compassion.
Listening is active. It requires energy and effort. It requires us to set aside what we think, how we feel, and what we would and to totally give all our attention to listening—taking in the words and feeling how they feel inside.
Deep listening is for all times—when we are experiencing difficulty or happiness with strangers, friends, family, or partners. Deep listening is about deep connection.
But how do we listen deeply? What’s the how? When we are suffering ourselves or are grieving, we first attend to our own suffering and grief mindfully. We know how to do this. It’s like putting on our oxygen mask first before helping others put on theirs.
We bring compassion. We listen fully so that we can relieve suffering, not by doing something but by listening fully. It’s amazing how often people will say, “I just needed someone to listen.”
And, we learn how to listen deeply using reflection—reflecting back what the speaker has said, so the speaker can take it inside and check and see how it fits. Reflecting is a powerful listening device that I invite you to practice often.
This week I invite you to set the intention to listen deeply. Give listening your full attention. And, notice how it deepens understanding, connection, and caring. You might try it on the fly with anyone. Simply be in mindful presence and take in the other person’s words and body language with curiosity and without judgment. Don’t think up an answer. Let the person know. After awhile when there is a pause reflect back to the person what you have heard.” See how it goes and let me know here.
Thanks to you and and all the people behind the scenes who make this podcast possible.
Everyone who are members of the podcast on Patreon;
Gorgias Romero for original music, audio engineering and production;
Bill Rafferty for technical web support;
Allie Allen for logo and podcast cover design; and
Margaret Haas for announcing the show.
Be well. Be mindful.
CREDITS/RESOURCES
Augsburger, D., Caring Enough to Hear and be Heard, Baker Publishing Group, 1982. Accessed on https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/search?utf8=✓&q=David+Augsburger&commit=Search
DISCLAIMER
The content in the podcast and on this webpage is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice and guidance of your health professional.
