The Gift of Hearing

People often ask me why I think coaching and/or therapy work. Although there are some nuances, tools, and techniques for both coaching and therapy, what underlies both is a true deep listening and hearing of the client. Really hearing someone without judging them or without trying to change their perspective is truly a priceless gift. How often are you able to talk to people in your life and know that they are listening completely to you? How often do they hear you without judgment or advice to you? Most of us would answer that question with, “Not very often.”

Ultimately, wouldn’t our world be so much better if we were all able to give the gift of hearing each other? How different would politics be? How different would relationships be if we could truly hear each other and allow each of us to experience the world from our own vantage point? How much more likely would it be that we’d actually be able to hear each other if we listened to each other first? 

How different would relationships be if we could truly hear each other and allow each of us to experience the world from our own vantage point? #communication #listening #relationships Click To Tweet

The Best, But Hardest Gift to Give

In our often materialistic world, we look to give expensive gifts to those we love. Although those gifts can be quite lovely, think about how meaningful the gift of hearing each other might really be. There is nothing more loving and more powerful that you can give someone than really hearing them. Think about any challenging relationship that you have. How much would it improve if you were willing to fully listen to that person and let them know that they have been heard without judgment?

Yes, it would be great if they gave you that same gift back, but that doesn’t always happen. If we only listen to those who are willing to fully listen back, we are holding back a gift that will benefit everyone that we give it to, and ultimately ourselves as well. The more consciously you listen to someone, the more likely they are to start to listen back. Your presence in their lives will allow them to grow and change and show up for you in different ways as well.

So get conscious about listening and hearing those around you. Commit to being a more present listener and watch how that gift changes those around you. You won’t regret it. 

Love,

Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC