It is real work to be a good listener.
Most of us don’t know what true deep listening is about. It’s called Generative Listening.
Just knowing what Generative Listening can give you a new perspective about what is possible in your life and relationships.
There are Four Levels of Listening:
Level 1: Habitual Listening where we are unable to hear anything that doesn’t agree with what we already think. We are trapped inside the world of our preconceived notions. Sometimes even on an unconscious level, we project the filter of our existing judgments.
Level 2: Factual listening is based on observing the world around us. It is receiving information and listening to just the facts.
Level 3: Empathic listening is the ability to ‘see’ the other person’s perspective, opening our hearts to see their experience and feelings.
Level 4: Generative listening is listening with our whole being. It is a widened and heightened state of attention, in which new realities enter the horizon, and come into being. It is the zone of the ‘encounter.’ Time seems to slow down and space seems to open up where there is heightened presence. In generative listening, the connection that is made is from the essence of one human being to the essence of another. It is listening to the others core as a whole person. The other person experiences our presence not just as someone empathic, but also as someone aware of their humanity.
Let’s try to make the world a better place today by listening deeply…
which brings us back to our true essence as human beings. Our planet deserves to flourish through the connectedness of its inhabitants.
So, the work is to go from impatient listening, where there is superficial attention and interest…to deep and meaningful Generative Listening where we set aside our preconceptions, thoughts & expectations…and embrace the thinking and viewpoint of the other.
Give those around you the greatest gift ever…Be a Better Listener!
Wishing you deep meaningful connections.
