How to Listen in the Digital Age

Have people been telling you to: “put down the phone and listen to me?” Do you talk more frequently with Siri than with the people you live with? Are you just waiting for the chance to check your messages when others speak? If you are shamefully shaking your head “yes”, listen up! It’s time for you to learn the skills of active listening. Sure, it takes effort; but so does learning any skill. And it’s worth it, as it pays ever-increasing benefits in your home life and work life. Indeed, not listening is a primary source of distress in many families: “I could say something 100 times and he still doesn’t hear me.” “I won’t even tell her what I’m thinking because she’d jump down my throat before I even finish my sentence.” And in many work situations: “We agreed that our appointment was between 10 and 11 and he thought he heard, ‘after 11’”. “I fired my financial advisor; she was more interested in selling her products than to listening to my concerns.” Yes, it’s true that we live in an age of short attention spans, multiple distractions, increased restlessness and impatience. But, it’s best for you to try to overcome these factors, not use them as excuses. So, let’s begin with “Active-Listening 101” which, for our purposes will be taught by, no, not a Ph.D. professor with credentials up the kazoo, but by a simple couple in love who knows that listening is caring. This couple makes excellent eye contact. They sho...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Mindfulness Relationships Self-Help Technology Active Listening attention Attentiveness cell phone addiction Communication Concentration distration Empathy Eye Contact Present Moment Screen Time social media strengthening r Source Type: blogs