“When listening to someone connect with your heart. Then speak from your heart… this leads to greater respect.”

Have you ever had those moments when you’re in a conversation with someone, and you’re sharing something important to you and you feel (or maybe even know) the other person isn’t listening? Frustrating, isn’t it. Do you ever feel a sense of disconnection or even perhaps lack of respect from the other person? It doesn’t feel so great.

And, I bet you can think of times when you’ve been on the opposite side of the dialogue, where someone is sharing with you, but you really don’t have the capacity or interest in listening in the moment. Think about how your inattentive listening might affect the other person. Does it come across as disinterested and perhaps disrespectful? Maybe.

Given that we can only control our side of the conversation, how do we become better listeners? Being present in the moment, fully aware of the other person is a great place to start. When we are present, we’re less distracted with the stories in our own heads. Then, truly listen… listen with your heart. If advice is not asked for, you have no need to formulate a response while the other person is speaking. If comparison isn’t warranted, you don’t need to come up with the time “that same thing” happened to you. You can simply listen… with all of your attention, and all of your heart. When you’ve listened with your heart, you can then create an authentic, heart-felt response. Lastly, if you’re not able to be present with the other person, do him or her the courtesy of saying that you are unable to listen just now. Sharing that bit of information also is a way of extending respect.

As you move into your meditation today, keep these ideas in mind. And throughout the day practice listening well and notice how that feels.