The Gift of Listening

When was the last time someone truly listened to you, just to know you better, and come to understand you for who you really are?  Do you have a friend or a coach that listens to you and gives you full attention and curiosity, not so they can comment or express themselves, but just because they really care about you and your thoughts?  How does that feel?  My guess is that you have very few conversations where the other person is deeply listening for the express purpose of understanding you. 

     Here's another good question.  When was the last time you listened to someone just to know and better understand them and their thoughts?  Do you give others your full attention and space to think and speak?  Are you able to set aside your thoughts and comments and fully just listen?

     It is an amazing kindness and respect to listen to others in that way.  I encourage you to give it a try.  You will discover some amazing things.  I suspect that you will be pleasantly surprised at what others are willing to say if you are truly present, caring for them, and listening just to understand them.  Listening is a rare precious gift that you can give to anyone……free of charge.