‘Mindful Listening’

The Basics

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 MINDFUL LISTENING

“THE WAY WE LISTEN TO OTHERS CAN COMMUNICATE

ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION.“

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 REACTING

We react to one another out of habit,

instantaneously, lost in our patterns of:

• Judging
• Defending
• Distancing
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 RESPONDING

In conversation with others, respond rather then

react to what the person is saying

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 HOW TO LISTEN

1 STOP
2 NOTICE
3 SUSPEND

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 STO
P
We stop thinking of what we are going to say
next.

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 NOTICE

We notice what we are experiencing.

We notice our thoughts.
We notice our feelings.

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 SUSPEND

We suspend judgment briefly of what the

other person is saying.

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 MINDLESS LISTENING
To cover up the strong wants and fears we might feel in
close relationships, we often hide behind our persona.

We react to one another out of habit, instantaneously, lost

in our patterns of defending, pretending, judging and
distancing.

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 LISTEN FROM THE HEART
While others are speaking, let go of your own thoughts
and pay attention to what they are saying.

Stay aware of the feelings and sensations that occur

throughout your body and especially in the heart area.

Be particularly aware of your mind wandering off into

judgments.
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 LETTING GO
If you find yourself criticizing meet these thoughts with
mindfulness, let them go and return to receptive listening.

This doesn’t mean you are agreeing with whatever is being

said. Rather you are responding by honouring the other
person with your full attention.

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 SPIRIT
Listen with your eyes to the person body's language and
facial expressions.

Listen openly to the tone, pitch, volume and words.

In addition to content, allow yourself to receive the mood

and spirit of what the another person is expressing.

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 SUMMARY
Mindful Listening makes all the difference.


STOP - We stop thinking what we are going to say.

NOTICE – We notice our thoughts and feelings.
SUSPEND – We suspend judgment briefly.
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 REFLECTION

Rest & Reflect

• 1. ‘Are these statements true?’

• 2. ‘Are these statements helpful?’
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