The Art of Listening

           A Quick Guide To:  The Art of Listening

                                 By Monica Macha

My personal definition for art is “a loving and holy expression of self”. Art is a language I speak.  Listening is an expression of art.  Using the analogy of art I am able to focus more on the subject of listening.  Language and meaning are mysteriously and continuously in search of expression.  When I listen with empathy I discover a fleeting glimpse of comprehension. 

A primary need of the human condition is to understand and be understood. Active and artful listening requires focus, discipline, and humility.  When the art of listening is executed well, a feeling of respect, and an acknowledgement of value are rendered.  I call this Love.

M. Scott Peck defines the Art of Listening as bracketing, the temporary giving up or setting aside of one’s own prejudices in order to experience the speaker’s world from the inside.  I equate the term bracketing to being in the present moment.  I can think of nothing more dynamic than a conversation with active listening and expansion of self-resulting in a new direction of topic.  A shared microcosm of discovery becomes electrified by the gift of being understood and understanding.

I am the mother of my team and my dream.  My team has learned to speak, and write with clarity.  They are teaching me as I teach them the art of listening with clear and mindful intent.  It is my dream to communicate my language of art with empathy and understanding.  It is the Art of Listening. 

1.    Listen with your heart not with your head. 

2.    Be in a museum of quiet while focusing on the art “listening”.

3.    Breathe deeply and relax your body.

4.    Wait for the opportunity to ask an effective question.

5.    Maintain eye contact.

6.    Paraphrase the internal meaning with the external words.

7.    If you interrupt (this is what I am famous for) ask forgiveness, and return to #1!

8.    If you feel rejected or ignored try the art of listening.

9.    Listen consciously without external noise.

10. Schedule a time to listen.

11. Practice listening every day, in your day-to-day interactions.

12. Listen for the story.

13. I find the stories to be the best part of listening.

14. Listening helps me hear me.

15. Artful listening feels good.

16. Mindful listening helps me know your gifts.

17. I feel holy when I “hear” someone speak.

18. I love me more when I take the time to listen.

19. Listening can be done without words.

20. Listening is an act of compassion.

Monica Macha

June 9, 2012