Listen up
‘…an art that requires attention over talent, spirit over ego, others over self.’ Dean Jackson
What do you hear when you’re listening? It may be the precise facts. You can repeat them almost word for word; your precis is impressively accurate.
It may be some of the subtext – the things that aren’t being said that you’re making assumptions about based on previous experience, judgement or the subtle cues of body language.
It may be your own thoughts…shaping your next question, hanging onto your agenda, or anticipating the gap when you can break away.
The thing is if we’re in any of these modes we’re either not listening or we’re not giving it everything we’ve got. Not only is that wasting time it’s short-changing you and the person you’re in conversation with, denying the chance for connection and the powerful ideas and actions that generates.
Real connection flows from listening. That means listening first to ourselves…what data are we getting from heart as well as head and even from our higher self or our intuition? If we can’t hear beyond the nagging internal narrative connection is out of the question, for us and with others.
If we are ready to engage, however, then we need to bring our heart and our complete attention into play. In doing so, in listening deeply, we’ll be giving and receiving a treasured gift and creating powerful connection.