Attentively hearing and trying to grasp the essence of words articulated by a person is real Listening . To listen fully means to pay close attention to what is being said beneath the words. Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers stated that active listening is one of the most important skills used in communication that requires undivided attention to the speaker. Listening is purposeful and focused, it requires motivation and effort. Listening is active, focused, concentrated attention for the purpose of understanding the meanings expressed by a speaker. You listen to know the essence of the person speaking. You listen not only for what someone knows, but for what he or she is. When you listen well to others, you reveal yourself as being curious and interested. The benefits of listening are numerous, including its role in effecting transformations in people. In his deeply inspiring book “How To Win Friends and Influence People”, author Dale Carnegie mentioned that effective listening skills, together with honest and interesting questions, could help people make progress in their lives. When you give your best attention to people expressing thoughts and experiences that are important to them, those individuals are likely to see you as someone who cares about their well-being
However, there are other benefits also. Listening is an essential requirement for strengthening relationships between people and building prosperous organizations. Just think about what does it make you feel that when your friends don`t listen to you? If you had encountered such a situation in your life then just recollect what were your feelings at that time? Did you feel engaged or unwanted?
We all feel good and cared when we are listened to. When we are convinced that people are paying attention and listening to us attentively, we become more responsive towards them. The power of listening is apparent in our routine lives. We love good listeners, whether at home, at office or in our social circle. We purchase products and services from those who value our opinions and listen to us. Therefore, it can be aptly stated that the capacity to listen is a powerful skill that anyone can use in life and influence others. Don’t forget the better you listen, the more you’ll be listened to.
Listen to your murmurs, to your heartbeats, to your convictions, to your insight, to your unheard voice ,to your hidden thoughts ,to your sensitive soul. They are all yours, they are most comfortable talking with you. Only when you listen to yourself ,will you listen to others. Listening to yourself will help you to unleash your creativity and reclaim your joy.
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