Tag: Mindfulness

How Deep Listening Results to Better Understanding

Communication TIps

Deep Listening

Meditation

Mindfulness

Powerpoint tips

Nov 28, 2017

Communication in today’s landscape is one big irony. While the different forms of digital media are thriving, face-to-face conversations are braving what could be called “dark times.” People today are more preoccupied than before—they tend to listen less and talk more. Unsatisfying communication is rampant in both the small setting and the big picture. We see relationships crumble and fights ensue because of the poor way spouses, parents, children, neighbors, friends, and colleagues communicate. We all suffer and endure the negative consequences of this notorious problem, which exists even among political parties, ethnicities, nations, and religions.
And the most disturbing part is that poor communication seems to be more than just a trend but a facet that is deeply ingrained in our present culture. If we look closely at it, communication seems to be both the problem and the solution. The complication can be traced back to people not showing enough interest or having enough forbearance to purse their lips, open their minds, and simply listen. Poor listening is the problem, and deep listening is the answer. Only by acknowledging this fact and working towards achieving it can we bring about a shift in the way communication works in the digital age.

What Deep Listening Truly Means

Deep Listening as a Tool for Improving the Way We Communicate
We all know and practice active listening, which entails repeating what the speaker says and seeking clarification for ambiguous ideas. While active listening is highly encouraged, to truly solve the problem of poor communication, we need to master deep listening, a more contemplative form of communication that involves listening to oneself before others.
Deep listening occurs when your mind is quiet and you’re able to suspend your reactive thinking and just open your thoughts to every possibility. It entails what John Keats called negative capability, which refers to when you’re “capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.” The nature of deep listening may appear paradoxical—after all, it claims that to better communicate with others, you must first pay attention to yourself. But by applying the principles of deep listening, you can become a more receptive, emphatic, trusting, and trustworthy listener, which can ultimately lead you to becoming a good communicator.

Three Steps to Connecting with Your Body, Speech, and Mind

Deep Listening as a Tool for Improving the Way We Communicate | meditate | Yoga
According to David Rome and Hope Martin, two trainers who have been studying and teaching deep listening for more than a decade, there are three techniques for tuning in to your mind, body, and speech: awareness meditation, the Alexander technique, and focusing on felt senses. By practicing these techniques, you can keep in touch with all aspects of your being—which is, ultimately, the foundation of deep listening.

1. Awareness Meditation

This type of meditation is known to some as mindfulness and to others, peaceful abiding. Whatever you call it, this principle lies only on two simple ideas: to watch your thoughts come and go without acting on them, and to always return to the present moment no matter what. Usually done in the form of a sitting meditation, it puts emphasis on body presence. One of the main inspirations for this technique is “The Four Foundations of Mindfulness,” an article by Buddhist meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. It explains the following:

  • Mindfulness of body. “The basic starting point is solidness, groundedness. When you sit, you actually sit. Even your floating thoughts begin to sit on their own bottoms. You have a sense of solidness and, at the same time, a sense of being.”
  • Mindfulness of life. “The instinct to live can be seen as containing awareness, meditation, mindfulness. It constantly tunes us into what is happening. So, the life force that keeps us alive itself becomes the practice of mindfulness.”
  • Mindfulness of effort. “The sudden flash is a key to all Buddhist meditation, from the level of basic mindfulness to the highest levels of tantra. But it is not enough just to hope that a flash will come to us; there must be a background of discipline.”
  • Mindfulness of mind. “Mind functions singly. Once. And once. One thing at a time. Things always happen one at a time, in a direct, simple movement of mind. Mindfulness of mind is to be there with that one-shot perception, constantly.”

Deep Listening as a Tool for Improving the Way We Communicate | Awareness Meditation

2. The Alexander Technique

This principle is what molds you into developing equanimity so that you can avoid becoming a victim of your life circumstances. It enables you to look after yourself while facing the rigorous demands of life. By assuming an objective point of view, you not only open your mind to see how you interfere with your natural and intrinsic inclinations but also discern which habits and qualities you should let go of.

3. Focusing on Felt Senses

Originating from Western philosophy, this technique involves cultivating three inner skills: self-knowledge, a caring presence, and an intuitive insight. As its name suggests, this principle involves noticing your senses as you feel them. Usually, you don’t pick up these senses in your attention radar, but if you try to be more attentive to your emotions, you will be able to notice them easily. By noticing these sensations before acting on them, you’ll be able to choose your words and actions better in future arguments, helping you improve the way you communicate.
The sum of these three contemplative practices is powerful enough to effect a dramatic change that can impact everyone. If only more people learn and apply these valuable skills, we could all see a significant shift in the quality of communication in the twenty-first century.
 

References:

Bailey, Joe. “What Is Deep Listening?” Goodlife Zen. n.d. goodlifezen.com/what-is-deep-listening
Popova, Maria. “The Art of ‘Negative Capability’: Keats on Embracing Uncertainty and Celebrating the Mysterious.” Brain Pickings. n.d. www.brainpickings.org/2012/11/01/john-keats-on-negative-capability
Rinpoche, Chogyam Trungpa. “The Four Foundations of Mindfulness.” Lion’s Roar. November 30, 2016. www.lionsroar.com/the-four-foundations-of-mindfulness
“Deep Listening.” Mindful. n.d. www.contemplativemind.org/practices/tree/deep-listening
“Deep Listening.” Mindful. August 26, 2010. www.mindful.org/deep-listening
 

What Leaders Need to Know About Mindfulness

business

Business Tips

Mindfulness

powerpoint designer

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

Mar 06, 2017

In today’s fast-paced, high-stress work environment, mindfulness has become a valuable tool for leaders looking to improve focus, reduce stress, and create a more productive and positive work culture. Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment, can help leaders make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and lead with clarity. Here’s what leaders need to know about mindfulness and how to incorporate it into their leadership style.

1. Enhances Decision-Making

Mindfulness helps leaders remain calm and focused under pressure, enabling them to make clearer, more informed decisions. By staying present in the moment, leaders can assess situations more accurately without being overwhelmed by stress or distractions.

Why It’s Important:

  • Reduces Impulsive Decisions: Mindfulness allows leaders to pause and reflect before reacting, leading to better decision-making.
  • Improves Focus: Staying present helps leaders focus on the information that matters, making it easier to analyze complex issues and weigh options.

How to Do It:

  • Practice deep breathing exercises before important meetings or decisions to center your mind.
  • Take a brief pause during high-pressure moments to focus on your breathing and clear your thoughts.

2. Increases Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Mindful leaders are more aware of their own emotions and the emotions of those around them. This heightened emotional awareness allows them to better manage their responses and foster more meaningful relationships with their teams.

Why It’s Important:

  • Strengthens Relationships: Understanding and managing emotions effectively helps leaders build stronger connections with their team.
  • Enhances Conflict Resolution: Leaders with high EQ are better equipped to navigate conflicts and mediate disputes, as they can remain calm and empathetic.

How to Do It:

  • Check in with yourself throughout the day to assess how you’re feeling and how your emotions may be impacting your leadership.
  • Practice active listening by focusing fully on what others are saying without interrupting or planning your response.

3. Reduces Stress and Burnout

Mindfulness helps leaders manage stress by encouraging them to stay grounded in the present rather than worrying about future challenges or dwelling on past mistakes. By focusing on the present moment, leaders can reduce anxiety and prevent burnout.

Why It’s Important:

  • Improves Well-Being: Mindful leaders are better able to manage their own stress, leading to improved mental and physical health.
  • Promotes Resilience: Leaders who practice mindfulness can bounce back from setbacks more quickly and handle adversity with greater ease.

How to Do It:

  • Set aside time each day for mindful meditation or reflection, even if it’s just a few minutes.
  • Incorporate mindfulness breaks into your workday, such as stepping away from your desk for a short walk or practicing mindful breathing exercises.

4. Enhances Creativity and Innovation

Mindfulness encourages leaders to approach challenges with an open mind, free from judgment or preconceived notions. This allows for greater creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, as leaders are more willing to explore new ideas and take calculated risks.

Why It’s Important:

  • Encourages Fresh Perspectives: Mindfulness helps leaders stay open to new possibilities and explore innovative solutions to problems.
  • Fosters a Creative Work Environment: When leaders model mindfulness and creativity, they inspire their teams to think more innovatively as well.

How to Do It:

  • Practice mindful brainstorming by setting aside time to think freely and explore new ideas without judgment.
  • Encourage your team to engage in mindfulness practices that promote creativity, such as reflective writing or group meditation sessions.

5. Improves Communication Skills

Mindful leaders are more present in conversations and better able to listen actively, ensuring that their communication is clear, thoughtful, and empathetic. This leads to stronger relationships with employees and more effective collaboration within the team.

Why It’s Important:

  • Builds Trust: Leaders who practice mindful communication are better able to listen to and understand their team, building trust and rapport.
  • Reduces Miscommunication: Mindful communication helps prevent misunderstandings, as leaders are more focused on the conversation and less likely to misinterpret messages.

How to Do It:

  • Before entering a meeting or conversation, take a few moments to clear your mind and focus on being fully present.
  • Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the speaker and avoiding distractions like checking your phone or thinking about your response before they finish speaking.

6. Cultivates a Positive Work Culture

Mindful leadership helps create a work culture that values respect, collaboration, and well-being. Leaders who practice mindfulness lead by example, fostering an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered.

Why It’s Important:

  • Boosts Morale: Employees are more likely to feel satisfied and motivated when they work in a supportive, mindful environment.
  • Increases Productivity: A positive work culture reduces stress and promotes focus, leading to higher levels of productivity and engagement.

How to Do It:

  • Encourage mindfulness practices within your team, such as offering meditation sessions, wellness breaks, or mindfulness workshops.
  • Lead by example by demonstrating mindfulness in your leadership style, such as staying calm during stressful situations or practicing empathy in interactions with your team.

Final Thoughts

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for leaders, helping them make better decisions, manage stress, and foster a positive, productive work culture. By incorporating mindfulness into your leadership approach, you can improve your emotional intelligence, enhance your communication skills, and create an environment where both you and your team can thrive. Whether it’s through daily meditation, active listening, or simply taking a few mindful breaths before a meeting, small mindfulness practices can lead to significant improvements in your leadership effectiveness.