“Being Heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” 
David Augsberger

“Listening is being able to be changed by the other person.” 
Alan Alda

The value of listening cannot be overstated. When genuinely listening to others, we demonstrate respect, empathy, and conceptual understanding. Listening involves more than staying silent; it requires us to be fully present and willing to be influenced by the other person, as Alan Alda aptly put it. Feeling heard is closely tied to feeling loved, as David Augsberger pointed out. When we listen attentively, we create stronger connections, nurture better relationships, and gain valuable insights. We can shift our focus from ourselves to others. Ultimately, attentive listening benefits the speaker and meaningfully enriches the listener’s life because it is a sincere step in building a relationship. The essence of relationships lies in being with others and genuinely seeing, noticing, and recognizing them.

What could happen if we actively and intentionally listen to others?

May I share a personal story?

I am a piano teacher trying to perfect what I have learned about communication in the past decade.  Each week, my students are given assignments and goals written on a Practice Chart.  At the beginning of one young girl’s lesson, I looked at the chart to see if the tasks had been completed. I noticed that very few goals were achieved.  Just as I was about to launch my authoritative speech about choosing and committing to a daily practice time, God touched my shoulder and stopped me.  This momentary pause allowed the student to share with me that her grandma had died that week, and she was too sad to practice. To my vast relief, I could apply what we call “Flipped Communication.”  By listening and noticing what this child was experiencing, I could show empathy and ask a leading question: “It hurts to lose someone we love, doesn’t it?” “How might we honor your grandma with our music today?”

Her reply: “We can play everything more beautifully today for Grandma.” So, we had a lesson filled with tears, hugs, and beautiful, heartfelt music.

I was grateful that God allowed me to be changed by listening.

Can you imagine the result if I had launched into a lecture about the importance of planning quality practice time?

 I would have been so focused on my agenda that I missed the opportunity to nurture a meaningful relationship with my student! Ultimately, He provided a solution I never would have come up with alone!

Initiate One Positive Change!”

Are you ready to develop meaningful connections by actively listening to someone this week?”

I look forward to hearing your inspirational story!

I’m cheering for you!

Jane Reed