The Lost Art of Listening: How to Deepen Your Connections
“Listening isn't about agreeing. It's about respecting someone else's reality." - Noelle Kustas
The Lost Art of Listening: How to Be a Better Listener & Deepen Your Connections
Do you ever find yourself in conversations where you're just waiting for your turn to speak? Or maybe you jump in with your own thoughts before the other person has even finished? If so, you're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, it seems like everyone has something to say, but the ability to truly listen - to practice active listening skills - has become a rare and precious skill.
On this episode of the Rise to Shine podcast, I share my personal journey of discovering the transformative power of deep listening. I open up about how my own experiences with divorce and loss taught me the importance of simply being present and holding space for others without judgment or the need to fix anything.
Developing Effective Listening Skills
True listening goes beyond just hearing words. It's about:
Being fully present: Release the pressure to respond perfectly and focus on simply being there for the other person.
Suspending your own perspective: This can be especially challenging, but it's crucial for creating understanding and empathy.
Allowing others to process: Give people the space to work through their emotions without interruption.
Techniques for Becoming a Better Listener
Practical tips for cultivating deep listening:
Be present, not perfect: Shift your focus from finding the right words to simply being present.
Pause before speaking: Take a moment to fully absorb what the other person is saying before responding.
Reflective listening: Show that you're listening by reflecting back what you've heard.
Let go of fixing: Unless someone specifically asks for advice, resist the urge to jump in with solutions.
The Power of Connection
Deep listening is more than just a skill; it's a way to improve communication skills overall, build trust, foster empathy, and create genuine connections. When we truly listen, we give others the space to feel valued and understood. This can lead to more fulfilling relationships, even when we don't agree on everything.
Who could you be a better listener for today? Take my advice to heart and practice these tips in your own life. You might be surprised at the magic that unfolds when you truly connect with others through the power of listening.
P.S. Don't forget to check out the Glow Up Mentoring School for Midlife Women - coming soon!
The Rise2Shine Podcast Episode 31 | The Lost Art of Listening: How to Deepen Your Connections
Ready to shine brighter than ever before? Let's connect!
Tune in to The Rise2Shine Podcast for honest conversations, inspiring stories, and practical tools to help you navigate your next chapter.
Remember, you are not alone. Together, let's rewrite the narrative and redefine what it means to live a joyful, fulfilling life. Your next chapter is waiting, and it's going to be amazing!
XOXO,
Noelle Kustas
Rise2Shine Co
