Hi Soul Minimalist!
Listening is something we do every day. Right? I would argue if we are hearing people (as opposed to Deaf or Hard of Hearing people) then we are hearing sounds every day. But hearing and listening are not the same thing.
And listening and being a listener aren’t either.
So how can we become better listeners for the sake of our own formation and the good of those around us?
We need to be kind of people who don’t just prioritize talking, but who create a generous space for others to feel heard.
We would do well to adopt the mantra of the first rule of medicine and apply it to our conversations: Do No Harm.
I found these five simple phrases to be a cheatsheet for kind-hearted listeners, easy one-liners to have on hand, especially for those moments that may catch you off guard. I’m sharing all five in today’s episode of The Next Right Thing.