I love listening to different podcasts, webinars, Ted talks and sermons on my high tech smart phone. Most recently, a sermon focused on the art of being intentional and engaging while listening to others. Most people recognize listening is an important piece of communication and as guests continue to participate in our program it makes me realize how powerful active listening can really be. In fact, this sermon stressed that “anytime we are talking, we are not actively listening.”
Think about it…we all thrive to voice our opinions, share our beliefs, and gain approval from others—especially through words. Clear evidence of this is simply going on Facebook and reading status updates or links shared. However, sometimes we tend to do too much talking, including myself, and not enough listening to what others are saying. In fact, I bet a lot of us think we are good listeners…but are we really? The tips below are strategies and must be practiced in order to become a better listener:
As you continue on your health journey ask yourself if you are listening to those around you. Are you listening to your personal trainer? Are you engaged at work? Do you listen to your Doctor when he encourages you to practice something new? I hope these two points help you in your day to day encounters and remember…. when you doing the talking, we are not actively listening.