With the entrance of the digital revolution, communication has been made possible in different forms. Face-to-face talking is often replaced by video calls, emails, chats, and texting, to name a few.
However, what remains essential in any form of communication is efficient speaking and mindful listening.
In today’s article, you will understand what mindful listening is, how you can learn to do it, and why it is crucial to making every relationship thrive.
What is Mindful Listening?
Mindful listening is the practice of being present and aware in your interactions with other people.
This practice aims to shut your inner thoughts, judgments, and biases so you could hear the entire message, letting the other individual feel understood.
You see, mindful listening is more outstanding compared to active listening.
Here, you have steps to follow, like not intruding on the other person while making noncommittal sounds, nodding, and talking to express that you’re following, and paraphrasing what’s being said at the end of the discussion.
Active listening is good, but it could come off as less honest and fabricated, whereas mindful listening is empathetic, sincere, and genuine.
What are the Benefits?
It was discovered that an average individual recalls only twenty-five percent of what someone has said a few minutes after they said it.
Nonetheless, mindful listening exercises could increase your retention and understanding of essential discussions, making it less likely for you to forget something.
Some of the benefits of mindful listening include:
- Better compassion toward yourself (less judging, more listening).
- Higher compassion and empathy toward others.
- Better productivity as people are on the same page.
- Enhanced ability to articulate thoughts.
- Improved observational skills.
- Improved ability to concentrate.
Tips on How to Achieve It.
One of these mindfulness listening activities will help you make a habit of listening more mindfully:
1. Exercise mindfulness meditation.
Establishing a mindfulness meditation habit is an excellent way to support a more mindful approach to conversation and listening.
You will not just enhance your concentration, but you also become a better observer of your surroundings.
2. Listen to music mindfully.
Set aside five minutes to mindfully listen to some of your favorite music while relaxing in a comfortable position.
You can use earbuds or headphones for a more immersive experience.
3. Stop and listen.
You can do this every time you are alone. Stop the things you are doing and listen to every sound you can collect in your immediate surrounding.
Give it a few minutes, and take deep, relaxing breaths while listening.
4. Take turns.
It is simple to interrupt other people or talk over time when you are stressed out to get your words out. However, that makes it possible to hear everything they are trying to tell you.
5. Join group mindfulness exercises.
Doing this will help you open your eyes to the reality that you are not struggling to concentrate and hear what others are saying.
There you have it! It’s about time you practice mindful listening to other’s conversations and repeating the essence of what you have heard in your words.
Read more:
What is Mindfulness, and what are the benefits?
A Positive Mindset Transforms your Life.
The Benefits of Gratitude and the effects on your Happiness.
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