Listening is an underrated yet a profound life-skill. Not only does it form the basis for other life-skills, but also prepares you for specific scenarios in life. However, does listening signify only absorbing words or is there more to it? This article breaks down the finer nuances of listening as a crucial skill.
Why listening counts
Effective listening is the very foundation of good communication. By listening, one shows respect and importance to the one speaking. It invites people to communicate their thoughts and feelings without hesitation. Subsequently, it also strengthens trust and helps build a better relationship, avoiding misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict. On the other hand, poor listening characterised by constant interruptions or responding before the speaker has finished can adversely affect relationships at work and in one’s personal life.
Components of active listening
Active listening involves much more than just passively hearing the words spoken. It requires focus, attention, and engagement. It comprises of:
Undivided attention
Shutting out distractions and giving the speaker your undivided attention is an important aspect of listening. This shows that one is genuinely interested in what the other person has to say.
Body language
Non-verbal cues, such as nods, maintaining eye contact and a slight lean forward are believed to communicate your engagement in the conversation.
Empathy
Listen to understand the perspective and emotions of the speaker. Empathy bridges the understanding between individuals.
Reflective responses
This involves paying attention to what is being said and then responding accordingly. This implies that the speaker is processing the conversation correctly.
Avoid judging
Listen without interruption, criticism or unsolicited advice unless asked for.
Advantages of good listening skills
Generally, good listeners are quite effective in most aspects of their personal and professional lives. Listening actively is believed to accomplish the following:
Build stronger relationships
By listening to people, you show that you value and understand them.
Resolve conflicts
Most conflicts come from miscommunication. Active listening really helps to address the root of such issues.
Boost productivity
At workplaces, comprehension of instructions and feedback goes a long way in the execution of work.
Encourage open communication
Most of the time, when you are not judgmental with what you have heard, others share their honest view.
Overcoming obstacles to listening
It is not easy to listen well despite its importance. Distractions, preconceived notions, and lack of patience are some of the common barriers to listening. To overcome these hurdles, it is advised to practice mindfulness to stay present in conversations. Avoiding multitasking while someone is speaking also helps.
What One Must Truly Listen To
It is critical to note the level of importance given to the art of listening. However, it is not just how we listen but what we listen to that is most important. Real success in work, relationships and any materialistic work is an effortless by-product of the authentic worship of Supreme God Kabir, granted under the refuge of Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
By listening to the spiritual discourses of a Complete Saint (Enlightened Saint) exposes us to an unexplored dimension of superlative spiritual knowledge that is truly life-transforming. Countless disciples of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the sole Complete Saint in the world today, testify the transformative nature of the worship granted by Him, witnessing miracles unheard of.
The worship granted by Sant Rampal Ji is deeply rooted in our sacred ancient scriptures and aligns with all their prescribed methods. To listen to the transformative spiritual discourses of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, visit:
- Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
- Youtube channel: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
- Facebook page: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
- Twitter: @SaintRampalJiM
