EMBRACING THE ART OF LISTENING

Two ears one mouth!

I’m sure we have all had the experience of chatting and not really listening, maybe you’re thinking about what’s for tea or what’s on your ‘to do’ list. Suddenly you realise there is a gap in the conversation, it’s your turn to speak, you feel an adrenalin rush as you hope the words you say are satisfying for the other person. As the buzz of adrenalin wears off you lose focus again.

This form of conversation isn’t helpful to anyone. How lovely would it be to be able to chat and be one hundred percent or as near to one hundred percent with the other person. It can be really difficult to be present, but there are some little tips that could be helpful.

1. Think about how much you value that person, do they deserve your full attention?

2. How would you feel if you realised they weren’t a hundred percent with you?

3. Before you start to chat, bring yourself into the moment. Take a breath, feel you feet on the ground, if you are getting distracted, come back to the breath feel your feet.

4. As you listen allow yourself to notice how it feels to be engaged. Are you getting more out of the conversation? Do you start to notice more depth? Sometimes when you listen carefully to the spoken word there can be hidden meaning too, maybe some sadness, a cry for help.

5. Put your phone away, be with that real life actual person in front of you.

Good luck with all your conversations today, give your people the gracious gift of two ears and one mouth.

With love,

Glynnis x