verb (used without object)
– to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
– to pay attention; heed; obey (often followed by to): Children don’t always listen to their parents.
– to wait attentively for a sound (usually followed by for): to listen for sounds of their return.
verb (used with object)
Archaic. to give ear to; hear.
Now, I love the dictionary and all…but I believe I’d disagree with my friend Webster here. Listening is sooooo much more that simply giving an ear.
How well do you listen?
Listening – true, deep listening – can be a full body experience. Think back to a time when you truly felt seen and heard. The one doing the listening wasn’t simply using the ears. Potentially, they observed your body language. Picked up on the energy you were giving off. Noticed the words that you were using, and the emphasis you placed on them. This kind of listening requires presence.
How well do you listen?
Are you fully present, or planning what to say? Are you picking up on the cues, or distracted by the background?
This week, play with how you listen.
Practice listening with just your ears. Then involve your eyes. Your body. Pick up on cues. Notice the nuances. Feel the energy.
Whether you’re listening to another, or listening to your own body give the gift of your presence.
Listen with more than your ears.
