Red Hot Mamas In Charge of Change.
By: Red Hot Mamas
Published: May 15, 2015
“A wise old owl lived in an oak, The more he saw the less he spoke The less he spoke the more he heard. Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird?” – Unknown author
Dear Red Hot Mamas,
From a young age, my father taught me an important lesson in life, which was the value of listening. I admit that this sometimes was difficult for me, as I am a “champion talker”. But, my father preached daily that it was essential to listen to everyone before talking. He said that would help me to avoid making judgements too hastily.
I’ve learned there are many positive benefits to being a good listener. Good listening skills has helped me to improve my relationship with friends, to enhance my marriage, and it certainly has helped my work in helping millions of Red Hot Mamas by developing information and programs to meet their needs.
Listening to others involves hearing what individuals have to say. And it also includes, in absorbing as to what they are feeling. It’s about listening to their feedback, making eye contact, and certainly not interrupting the person when they are speaking. When I’ve done this, I feel that I’ve learned a lot from others. It’s like I’ve absorbed what they have had to say like a sponge, and my life has become better as a result.
Good listening also requires wisdom. You have got to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Even if your opinion differs from what the person is saying, listening provides respect and validation to what they have said. It’s also vital to listen with a sense of optimism and not with negativity looking at the person’s positive qualities. That has always helped me feel a greater sense of regard for the other person.
So, in closing, I hope that the pearls of wisdom I’ve shared with you today, reinforces why being a good listener can be so enriching in our lives. It helps us to see the world through the eyes of others and enriches our capacity for empathy. It does take a lot of practice, so I guess it’s time for me to stop my “champion” chattering now. And, I want you to know that I truly care about what you all have to say.
Good health to you all,
Karen
Karen Giblin
