Motivation Monday
Life Vest Inside has had the very good fortune of finding writers willing to share their Kindness Stories/Articles with us. One of our special recurring writers is David Jablinowitz, Op-Ed Editor at Jerusalem Post, who is famous for his “bus stories.”
LISTENING, REALLY LISTENING
The biggest problem within a relationship is Communication. The biggest problem within Communication is Listening. When asking people if they believe themselves to be a good Listener, they often reply with ‘Yes, of course’. However, when asking people if they believe others to be good Listeners, often the answer is ‘NO’. A few useful ideas, skills and behaviors can be very helpful.
Silence – Mr. Rogers was known for his ‘pauses’ and times of quiet. When he would ask a question, he would patiently pause and be quiet. When told something, he would take a moment and mentally ponder, he would be silent before he replied.
Body Language – Be sure to face your conversation partner. Eliminate, or at least limit, background noise and other distractions so you can concentrate on what the other person is saying. Make direct eye contact and put your body in their direction. Give another your undivided attention and focus to show that you’re invested in the dialogue. ‘If you aren’t really paying attention, it shows in your body language’. Body Language includes posture, eye contact, facial expressions, legs, and arms open.
Watch for Non-Verbal Clues – Nonverbal clues are just as important as verbal ones. You’ll have a better chance of spotting nonverbal cues (body language) when you pay attention and keep quiet.
Ask Questions – A good way to invite others to speak is to ask questions. Ask a question, then Listen!
Don’t Interrupt – If you’re talking, you can’t really listen. Let your ‘partner’ say what’s on their mind freely and finish their own sentences. Remember the value of your silence.
Resist Offering Solutions – If someone is talking about a problem, refrain from doling out advice. Supporting someone to vent goes a long way toward the goodwill of a friendship and often is what is needed.
Be an Active Listener – Being an Active Listener means you paraphrase back what you heard before adding your response. This is a most important activity to demonstrate that you are Listening.
Take Notes – The biggest lie I tell myself is, “I don’t need to write it down, I will remember”. Having a ‘listening pad’ and asking if you could take some notes to follow up is a good outward sign of your listening.
~ Loren D. Lasher
Finding yourself inspired to share your kindness story? Please submit it HERE – you can share via text, audio or video. Our editor will look it over! You may see your writing in a future issue of The Daily Kind!
Kindness Quote
“Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.”
Fred Rogers
Act of Kindness
Honor your word. Every time you make a promise, you put your honor and integrity on the line. Keeping that promise should be as important to you as it is to the recipient.
Positive Affirmation
Today I will wake up, be proud, and recognize how beautiful I am. I am me and that is wonderful!
