I met with a friend recently whom I hadn’t seen for some time. I pondered on how on earth we could have spent so much time talking. And how it was that I came away feeling energized with a real sense of contentment and genuine gratitude for our time together. A warm feeling that brings a smile to your face for no particular reason is a real gem.
Consider this!
We spend a good deal of our life communicating with others, be it family, friends other relationships. How we are affected by the aftermath of these interactions on any given day is of prime importance to our mental, emotional, physical and energetic good health.
Understanding Levels of Listening
Many of us may engage our listening skills unknowingly from a basic level. Where, for the most part we download or reconfirm old opinions and habits from our past. During stressful conversations our inner personal space may feel hit by a tidal wave of anxiety. Often contributing to ongoing fight or flight reactive turbulence.
Empathic listening is where we see through another person’s eyes. As Thich Nhat Hanh quotes “we learn to listen so as to allow the other to empty out” This type of listening often leads to an unexpected connection to the other person. An invisible thread that becomes present and activated with clearer insight.
The ‘Pause’ Button
In simple terms I call this my ‘pause ‘ button. An inherent inner device that is certainly worth everyone’s time to explore and experience.
A Rich Topic For Our Next Meeting
You might consider paying attention to your own particular style of communication or perhaps have a question you wish to get some clarity on about this particular subject.
A Very Brief Encounter
It was very cold and late into the afternoon as I stood waiting for the train to arrive. “You’re on the wrong platform for Dunboyne “a man standing on the opposite platform shouted over.
Appreciate that I replied when I got over.
“Its your turn next” he replied back with a smile.
“I was on the same platform last week and someone else did the same for me”
A brief encounter worth mentioning….in my books!
What I’m Reading
Bolder by Dominique Afacan (life lessons from people older and wiser than you)
Funny and inspirational!
Humour
Hear about the new restaurant called Karma? There’s no menu. You get what you deserve!!
If you would like to contribute any thoughts or inspirational ideas you may have contact me at:
ritaodonovan@gmail.com
Warmly Rita
