I don't mean the casual 'Hi how are you, I am fine' listening.
But the hearing what one's heart is saying.
Where you feel their pain or sadness or joy.
When the emotions of their words touch a place in your soul and connect you to their story.
I must be doing or
going or
talking or
entertaining my mind with the next thing.
And that's not a good.
I think that is how my listening is also.
My 'what's next' attitude hinders my hearing.
Maybe it's my age or having a friend tell of her mothers passing or thinking of my children's upcoming birthday
but I want to give others the message
"I Care About You"
Listen.
• Don't interrupt.
• Don't finish the other person's sentences.
• Don't say, "I knew that."
• Don't even agree with the other person, just listen!
• Don't use the words "no," "but," and "however."
• Eliminate any striving to impress the other person with how smart and funny you are. Your goal is to let the other person feel that.
I hope I grab every word you say and
hold it close to the ear of my heart,
so you know
how wonderful you are to me.
please knock me up side my head and
tell me I need some more work!!!
The listening excersises came from
Marshall Goldsmith: How to Be a Better Listener