Giving someone your undivided attention with kindness and respect is, well, priceless.
Listening to someone with an open heart and a curious mind strengthens bonds and raises spirits.
In short, listening to someone with your full attention is the best gift you can give.
As a student of human communication, here are my musings on how to listen well.
To listen well is to focus: to be completely present with the speaker, with no physical or mental distractions. It is to know and to show that there is nothing in this moment more important than listening to them.
To listen well is to empathize with the speaker. To try to understand what they might be feeling, perhaps without ever having experienced what they’re describing.
To listen well is to know that we’re different and to be okay with our differences. To accept the other person’s choices and decisions with respect, instead of opinions or conclusions.
To listen well is to ask. To ask the right questions at the right time. To ask for clarity. To ask for greater depth. To seek understanding.
To listen well is to hold a loving clean mirror up for someone, so they might see themselves as clearly and kindly as you see them.
To listen well is to share our humanity. It is to remember and to remind each other we are not alone.