Balanced Life: How to Hear, See and Witness

No one is as deaf as the man who will not listen.” ~ Jewish Proverb

Just Listen! Imagine what it would be like if we really listened to each other? You know, instead of half-listening; instead of ‘sort of’ paying attention while multi-tasking, or just plain zoning out, or – most commonly – anxiously awaiting for the ‘listenee’ (a.k.a. speaker) to pause for a millisecond, so that you can jump right in with your brilliance.

Well, for one thing, the person to whom you are listening would enjoy the extraordinary experience of being ‘heard,’ ‘seen,’ and ‘witnessed.’ And YOU, the person who is actively listening, would be exercising your observational powers and, in so doing, you might just perceive more than you normally do. You might understand the ‘listenee’ on a whole new level. You may have even ‘heard’ the golden nuggets of what was left unsaid!

While you are chewing on that, read on

The DO NOT’s of ACTIVE LISTENING!!!

Do NOT allow your brain to race ahead of your lips! We speak at about 100 to 150 words per minute, but we think at 250 to 500. Just listen!

DO NOT anticipate what will be said. Just listen!

DO NOT be distracted by the people or things around you. Keep your eyes focused on the “listenee.” Just listen!

DO NOT interrupt. Allow her/him to finish their thought. Just listen!

DO NOT plan your responses as the speaker is speaking. Just listen!

DO NOT give advice unless specifically asked for it. Just listen!

DO NOT share every single story from your own life that might relate to what the “listenee” is saying. Just listen!

It’s not as easy as it sounds!!!

Spread the word … NOT the icing,

Janice

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