Practice mindfulness in listening from "summary" of The Lost Art of Listening by Michael P. Nichols
To truly listen to someone, we must practice mindfulness in our listening. This means being fully present in the moment, focusing our attention on the speaker without allowing our minds to wander. It requires us to set aside our own thoughts, judgments, and distractions, and to give the speaker our full, undivided attention. When we practice mindfulness in listening, we are able to pick up on nonverbal cues and subtle nuances in the speaker's tone of voice and body language. We can better understand the emotions behind the words, and empathize with the speaker's feelings and experiences. This deep level of listening allows us to connect with the speaker on a more meaningful level, and to truly understand their perspective. Mindful listening also involves being open-minded and nonjudgmental. Instead of jumping to conclusions or making assumptions about the speaker, we approach the conversation with curiosity and a willingness to learn. We suspend our own beliefs and opinions, and strive to see things from the speaker's point of view. To practice mindfulness in listening, we must also be patient and attentive. We resist the urge to interrupt or finish the speaker's sentences, and instead give them the space and time they need to fully express themselves. We show that we are actively listening by nodding, making eye contact, and providing verbal cues to indicate that we are engaged in the conversation.- Practicing mindfulness in listening is about showing respect and empathy towards the speaker. It is about creating a safe and supportive environment where they feel heard and understood. By cultivating the skill of mindful listening, we can strengthen our relationships, improve our communication skills, and deepen our connections with others.
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