When I listen in the silence, I often learn what is really being said.....
Monday, June 8, 2009
SILENCE
The practice of remaining silent. It's a practice. In this ever learning quest to be a better listener, I am challenged by the silence. Letting the silence be just that, SILENCE. Nothing needs to be said but taking time to reflect on what I just heard, and responding appropriately to the need of the moment. Mirroring back what I've heard and asking if I have understood correctly. It is said that if you feel misunderstood, it is likely that you are. Everyone longs to be understood, and when we listen and take the time to really understand what the other is saying, intimacy happens. Real connection occurs and hearts touch. Lives are changed. I am changed. When I connect deeply to someone else, life immediately becomes more full.
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I would have to agree with you Susan. The more I choose to listen with both ears rather than listen and form my own opinion is when I really hear the other person speaking. Most the time people just want to be heard with no comments required by me. Just a smile and a nod of the head in agreement or a simple words like I hear you. Can mean the world to the speaker.
ReplyDeleteI think I learned in "Mom school" to always have the answers or at least that was my expectation of myself. I struggle with this with my adult children. I'm going to practice more and see what happens.
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