Mindful Listening

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Stephen Lesavich, PhD · Mindful Listening

Mindfulness is defined as “a mental state achieved by focusing your awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting your own feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.”

“Mindfulness” is a term that is that is in the news almost on a daily basis.

According to Healthline, practicing “mindfulness” is good for your health.

Modern life is filled with distractions, from smartphones to multitasking, making it difficult for people to focus on listening to others.

You are often occupied with your own thoughts and worries, which can make it hard to effectively listen to others.

Is there such a thing as “mindful listening.”

Yes there is.

“Mindful listening is a very important part of practicing mindfulness”
Stephen Lesavich, PhD

What is mindful listening?

Mindful listening is a practice that involves fully focusing on, and being present with, the person who is speaking. It goes beyond simply hearing the words; it’s about understanding the emotions, intentions, and context behind the words.

Key Components of Mindful Listening

What are the key components of mindful listening?

Presence: Be present. Giving your full attention to the speaker without letting your mind wander to other thoughts or distractions in the present moment.
Non-Judgment: Listening without immediately forming opinions about what the speaker is saying is listening without judgement. This involves you being open and accepting of the speaker’s perspective.
Empathy: Trying to understand the speaker’s point of view and being empathetic. This involves you putting yourself in their shoes and feeling what they might be feeling.
Patience: Allowing the speaker to express themselves fully without interrupting or rushing them. This shows your respect and acknowledges their right to be heard in their own voice.
Awareness: Being aware of both verbal and non-verbal cues, such as tone of voice, facial expressions, emotions and body language, which can provide you with deeper insight into the speaker’s message.

Benefits of Mindful Listening

What are the benefits of mindful listening?

Improved Relationships: Mindful listening enhances your personal and professional relationships by fostering trust, respect, and understanding.
Better Communication: Mindful listening helps you in accurately understanding the message being conveyed, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts.
Emotional Connection: Mindful listening allows you to connect on a deeper emotional level with others, which can strengthen bonds and create a sense of belonging.
Enhanced Empathy: Mindful listening cultivates empathy by encouraging you to see the world from another person’s perspective.
Reduced Stress: Mindful listening can reduce stress for both the speaker and you as the listener, as it creates a calm and supportive environment.

How to Practice Mindful Listening

How do you practice mindful listening in your own life?

Set the Intention: Before a conversation, set the intention to listen carefully and be fully present.
Focus on the Speaker: Pay attention to the speaker’s words, tone, and body language. Avoid thinking about your response while they are speaking.
Avoid Interrupting: Let the speaker finish their thoughts without interrupting. If you have questions, wait until they have finished speaking.
Use Active Listening Techniques: Nod or use small and quick verbal acknowledgments like “I see,” “Hmm,” or “Interesting” to show you are engaged. Reflect back what you heard by summarizing or paraphrasing.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage the speaker to elaborate by asking open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me more about that?” or “How did that make you feel?” or “Why is that important to you?”
Practice Discernment: Listen without forming judgments or preparing your counter-arguments is listening with discernment. Accept the speaker’s perspective as valid for them.
Respond Thoughtfully: After the speaker has finished, take a moment to consider your response. Offer thoughtful and compassionate feedback or comments.

By incorporating mindful listening into all your interactions with others, you can create more meaningful and fulfilling connections and create a positive impact in your own life.

Out There on the Edge of Everything®…

Stephen Lesavich, PhD

Certified solution-focused life coach and experienced business coach.