5 Mindful Inner Explorations – Part 3 – “Listening”

“Listening is often confused with hearing. While hearing is a biological process that can be scientifically explained, listening is a psychological phenomenon. Listening is psychological because it requires internal contextual contemplation of the sound waves. This internalization requires the use of social connotation which implies bias. According to philosopher Roland Barthes, listening can be understood on three levels: alerting, deciphering, and an understanding of how the sound is produced and how the sound affects the listener.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listening

LISTENING – Questions for your reflection…

Do you listen? When your spouse, friend, colleague or neighbour speaks with you, do you REALLY listen to what they are saying? Or, do you find that your mind regularly drifts away to other things; maybe what’s for dinner this evening or how you are going to reply to that message on Facebook? Have you heard it all before? Do you tune out their words sometimes, never or always? Is it possible that they have recognised your disinterest? Do they do the same to you when you speak with them? Can you tell?

“The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said.”  ~ Peter F. Drucker

Is it possible for you to stop everything you are doing when listening to someone, allow any and all preoccupations to gently drop away for a few moments, and make the conscious decision to pay attention more fully? Can you see how doing this might help you both to feel a deeper understanding for one another and benefit from increased levels of compassion in your relationships? Can you be present for another person’s words, even if they induce irritation, boredom or sadness in you? Do you listen? Will you listen?

“Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you’d have preferred to talk.”  ~Doug Larson

Can you bring a level of mindfulness to your conversations, making sure you are being kind to yourself and others?

Part-1 of this series, can be viewed by clicking the following link…5 Mindful Inner Explorations – Part 1 – “Criticism”

Part-2 of this series, can be viewed by clicking the following link…5 Mindful Inner Explorations – Part 2 – “Sleep”