If you’d rather read about it:
Transform your relationships with this simple life hack
In our journey of self-care and self-love, we often focus on nourishing our bodies, minds, and spirits which is simply amazing!
But have you ever considered the profound impact of truly listening, both to ourselves and to those around us?
This Self Love Sunday, let’s explore the transformative power of active listening together, and see what a truly beautiful way it is to deepen our connections and enrich our lives.
There’s nothing like being fully present.
Imagine sharing a story with a friend who’s not just hearing you but truly listening.
Her eyes are focused, her body language is open, and her responses show genuine interest and engagement. She doesn’t look at her phone and check her messages; she doesn’t look somewhere else or gets distracted by something or someone else; she’s fully present with you, giving you space.
How does that make you feel?
I guess it would make you feel very good, right?
Valued? Respected? Understood?
Once we can feel someone is giving us their undivided attention, we open up and magic happens. And it is called CONNECTION!
And this is the magic of active listening: It’s an art that profoundly impacts our relationships with others and ourselves.
In today’s fast-paced world, being fully present with someone is a rare and precious gift. Making someone else feel truly seen, heard, and appreciated is one of the most beautiful things we can do for another person. It’s a powerful validation of their worth.
But as I said before, it’s a rare gift, because let’s be honest, when was the last time you have been truly listening? It comes with certain challenges, and I definitely raise my hand here. We all can be better listeners.
Sound familiar?:
Someone’s speaking and you find yourself busy already formulating your response, rather than actually listening to what the person is really saying. When this happens we rob ourselves of the opportunity to deeper connect which in my opinion is very sad.
Well, this is a habit, I think we all can admit to being guilty of. Instead of building rapport and trust, we block the flow and the connection.
And I think we all can do better than that. I mean at the end we all wanna be seen, heard, and understood. So we better start showing up as exactly that person!
Here’s another challenge: How do we overcome interruptions?
We’ve all been there, you and me—mid-conversation, struck by a thought or reaction, eager to jump in without letting the other person finish their thought or their sentence…
Argh, that one…not good!
We need to become aware that interrupting can disrupt the speaker’s flow and make them feel unheard, uneasy, and closed.
When we’re truly engaged there’s a natural ebb and flow to the conversation, we listen to the speaker’s rhythm and their cues. And if we need to interject, then this is what we gotta focus on.
Three Simple Tips for Better Listening:
1. Be Fully Present:
Put away distractions. Turn off your phone, make eye contact, and focus on the person in front of you. Show them through your body language that you’re engaged.
2. Practice Reflective Listening:
Paraphrase what the other person has said to show you understand. For example, “It sounds like you’re saying…” or “What I’m hearing is…”. This not only confirms that you’re listening but also clarifies any misunderstandings.
3. Hold Space for Silence:
Don’t rush to fill pauses in the conversation. Silence can be a powerful tool in communication. It gives the other person time to think and feel, and it shows you’re comfortable with giving them that space.
The Ripple Effect of Listening
By practicing active listening, we show respect and empathy.
We move from simply hearing to truly understanding, from mere conversation to authentic connection. And in a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, this can make all the difference. Trust me it does. And you know it does, too. 
As we cultivate this skill, we not only become better listeners but also more compassionate and connected individuals. We create a cycle of positive, meaningful interactions that enrich both our personal and professional lives.
So, I challenge you a bit today to bring these practices into your daily interactions. And I guarantee you, you’ll see a change in yourself and the people around you.
A truly beautiful life is only possible with truly beautiful connections and relationships.
Love,
Nadine
Connect with me:
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Listen to my other Podcast Natural Woman Alchemy:
Intro and Outro Music by my dear mentor and friend Kara Johnstad
