The art of listening

At a conference I attended, the speaker pointed out that we have countless workshops and classes on how to communicate effectively. Almost every one of these is designed to teach us to be better at talking. Rarely do we attend an event that teaches us to be better listeners. Yet we are reminded that this is why we have two ears and only one mouth. Often while we are supposedly listening, we are busy mentally preparing what we will say next or choosing the words that will defend our position. The art of listening involves giving the speaker your undivided attention as they talk. It requires that you clear your head of mind chatter and be totally present in that moment. Not only do you hear the words, but you are aware of the emotion that underlies them. You are aware of the importance of what the speaker is communicating to you. With each statement you know more about the life of the speaker. You know what matters and doesn't matter. During the course of that interaction you are invited into their world. You won't know what that world is if all you do is share yours. The next time you are in a conversation, step back and assess your listening skills. Is there anything you can do to improve the art of listening today based on what you learn?