Listening Of course, communication is a two-way street. Not only is it important to improve the way we express ourselves, we must also examine the way we allow others to express themselves. We needn’t always respond to what is said nor accept everything we hear as truth, but we do hope to develop relationships in which all concerned can be themselves and say what is on their minds and in their hearts. Are we good listeners? Do we grant other people the time to say what they need to say, to clarify their thoughts, even to say things we don’t like to hear? Or do we interrupt, finish other people’s sentences for them, or stop listening altogether while we prepare our response? Are we open-minded about what others have to say, or do we quickly become defensive? Most of us find that if we want others to hear what we have to say, we must extend the same consideration to them. But being a good listener is more than a matter of courtesy. Al-Anon’s slogan, “Listen and learn,” reminds us that if we have the self-discipline to be quiet and pay attention to others’ words, we can learn a tremendous amount about ourselves and our world.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:00:12 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015