inspiration DEEP LISTENING
Our Wholehearted Attention Is Our Greatest Gift by Kay Lindahl
P
erhaps one of the most precious and powerful
gifts we give another person is to really listen to them with quiet, fascinated attention and our whole being; fully present. Deep listening occurs at the heart level, and we must ask ourselves how often we listen to each other so completely. Such listening is a creative force. We expand, ideas come to life and grow and we remember who we are. It brings forth our inner spirit, intelligence, or true self, and opens up the space for us to thrive. Sometimes we have to do a lot of listening before another’s inner being feels replenished. Some people just need to talk and go on and on, usually in a superfi cial, nervous manner. This often happens because they have not been truly listened to. Patience is required to be a listening presence for such a person long enough that they get to their center point of tranquility and peace. The results of such listening are extraordinary. Some would call them miracles.
Listening well takes time, skill and a readiness to slow down to afford time
for refl ection and to let go of expectations, judgments, boredom, self-assertiveness and defensiveness. When two people listen deeply to one another, we sense that we are present not only to each
other, but also to something
beyond our individual selves; something spiritual, holy or sacred. Once we experience the depth of being listened to like this, we naturally begin to listen to be present with another. We notice what occurs when we interrupt someone and when we don’t. We watch what unfolds when another stops speaking and we ask, “Is there anything else?”
Listening is an art that calls for
practice. Imagine if we all spent just a few minutes each day choosing to practice the art of listening; of being fully present with the person we are with. Being truly listened to and understood yields a sigh of contentment and joy.
Kay Lindahl, of Long Beach, CA, is the author of The Sacred Art of Listening, from which this was adapted with permission from SkyLight Paths Publishing.
Purest CBD OIL to be experienced, COMPARE YOUR RESULTS!
Nature’s Sunshine Products (Ind. Dist.) • Life Extension & NOW Products Alkaline/Acidic Water & Machines • Breakthrough Brain Health
Essiac Tea • Ear Candling • Ionic Foot/Hand Detox & Machines • Bulk Herbs Essential Oils • Pharmaceutical Grade Supplements • “Tox-sick” Issues Detox & Cleansing • Infrared Cabin Sauna • HCG & Weight Loss Programs
Knowledgeable Experienced Staff
407-599-0406 • w
Effective Listening
Practices by Kay Lindahl
Pay attention to the environment. Stop other activities to listen. Clear your desk. Turn off background noise or move to a quiet corner.
Be present. Listen with an open, appreciative and curious mind rather than evaluating what’s being said. Put your own agenda aside.
Stop talking. One person speaks at a time without interruption.
Listen for understanding. No one is required to agree with or believe what they hear. Let empathy and compassion take the lead; put yourself in their shoes.
Ask for clarifi cation. It can help a listener understand what’s being expressed.
Pause before speaking. Allow the speaker to complete their thought, and then wait a few seconds before responding. Also ask, “Is there anything else?” There almost always is.
Listen to yourself. Inquire of your inner voice, “What wants to be expressed next?”
Signal that they’ve been heard. Encouraging body language includes empathetic facial expressions, nodding and sympathetic postures.
Adapted from The Top Ten Powerful Listening Practices on the author’s website
SacredListening.com.
THE NATURE’S GARDEN NATURAL HEALTH CENTER
Weight • Yeast • Parasites • Bacteria • Low Energy • Liver Stress • Digestion & GI Memory • Joint Discomfort • Blood Sugar • Immune System • Hormonal Imbalances Julie Kane LPN: call for appt. 321-276-0578 Results in 1 hour! Identify the Root Causes of “ Dis-ease” Simple fi nger stick • Personalized Wellness Plan
Nutritional Live Blood Cell Analysis & Biomeridian Total Body Scan
WHAT’S IN YOUR BLOOD?
679 N. Orlando Ave. (17-92) • Maitland, FL 32751 • Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10am-7pm * Sat: 10am-5pm (Closed Wed & Sun) See website for online discounts, coupons & monthly specials
407-599-0406 •
www.TheNaturesGarden.com .TheNaturesGarden.com
Personal Consults & Recommendations
February 2016 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44