Listening Is The Highest Form Of Self-Expression

“Listening is the highest form of self-expression!”
-Vivek

Listening is one of the most important skills a person can have.
Being receptive without defensiveness in your mind or words is quite something to achieve.
People often talk to hear their own voices
and to get some kind of reaction to further their own agendas

Get Out Of The Way

Being able to truly listen is very valuable.
Can you get yourself out of the way enough
to be a safe space for another’s words and feelings to land?

Can you hold the speakers heart in your hand
as tenderly as a newborn
or a little bird with a broken wing?

If you can you will offer them a precious gift.

Uplift The Person You’re Listening To

It makes the recipient of your ear
feel heard, validated and cared for.

It touches the heart
And makes us feel less alone.

It adds validation to our struggles
And our victories.

It can remove some of the weight we carry
From our pain and wounds.

Listening Deepens Communication And Creates And Open Pathway

Even if you disagree with someone,
if you have deeply listened to them first
they will be more open to what you have to say.

Before I respond to what someone has said I will ask questions to make sure I understand them. Then I will share an explanation of my understanding of what the other is saying. That way I know I’m responding to what they actually said and they know I’ve taken them seriously and am not just reacting.

Listening Can Be A Great Gift To The Listener As Well

It forces us to open our minds and hearts to another.

It gives us a chance to give love, which is always nourishing.
Listening is so delicious.

ahhhhhhh…
sweet nectar

(are you listening?)