Daily Gratitude - Listening

Let's take a moment to appreciate the things that have been happening in your life recently. Today's theme is appreciating the gift of real listening. As always, if you would like to journal along, you can pause after each prompt to give yourself more time to write and reflect. First, let's take a deep breath in. And out.

How often during a week do we engage with people while only half paying attention, caught up in our own thoughts and concerns? And how often do we long to be truly heard? We live in a culture and a time that's filled with lots of talking, but not a lot of deep listen. Mindfulness helps us tune into and be more present with others. And it helps us notice and appreciate those moments when we feel deeply heard. Think of a recent interaction where you are able to really still yourself and listen to someone, a family member, a coworker, or even a stranger. Or, think of a moment when you felt that someone was taking the time to be fully present to you as you were talking.

What was going on for you when this interaction took place? What did you do to let the other person know you were paying attention? Or what did the person listening to you do that made you feel heard? What came up for you? Comfort or discomfort, vulnerability, connection, questions, emotions? Now with this in mind, repeat the following phrases: Thank you for the healing power of real listening in a noisy world. Thank you for the comfort and connection that can come when I listen or am listened to. Thank you for the opportunity to be with others without agenda. Thank you for the growth that deep listening can bring me. To end this session, let's take a deep breath in.

And out. We'll see you back here tomorrow for another gratitude practice.