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
