“People start to heal the moment they feel heard.” – Cheryl Richardson

What type of listener are you? Have you ever thought about what it means to listen? Deep listening is a beautiful and intentional practice. Often times throughout our days our minds are on autopilot and we hear words being spoken to us, but I encourage you to think about the last time you really stopped and listened to the person speaking to you. When you give someone your full attention it is such a gift and it can be felt. When someone is coming to you and wanting to talk or perhaps your children are making requests for your attention, stop and breathe them in. Turn off your thinking mind, your judgmental mind, your to-do list and truly listen. Don’t think about what you are going to say next in the conversation or let your mind wander to various other things that may have happened or are yet to happen in your day. Be present and let them know you hear them. Quiet your own mind so that you might really be available to those around you.

Eye contact and practicing being present are two tools that are helpful in cultivating this skill. Challenge yourself this week and see how well you are doing with listening to those in your life. Are you giving them all of you or just a distracted portion of what you have to offer. Do some reflection or journaling about how you can show up in a way that is authentic, supportive and true. Simply notice in the next conversation you have if you are really listening vs. being in a state of distraction, and if the latter is the case, lovingly guide yourself back to showing up for the person in front of you. Value what they are telling you and respond with your whole being. True listening can open doors you’ve never seen before. Stop the mind chatter. Tune in to those around you. Heal your heart and heal the hearts of those you love one conversation at a time.