Listening with the HEART

So often we long to talk and share our stories, problems, views, opinions and ramblings. However, as a long time sales representative we practice the art listening so that clients are heard and that we are able to understand the challenges they face in order that we might essentially sell them goods or services that can solve their problems. In the process we learn that listening for information is one part of understanding issues/concerns however another deeper level is listening from the heart. This allows sales people to begin to develop a relationship with a client so that we can continue to dialogue over time and eventually become the trusted advisor. At the heart level we not only hear the concerns but we may be able to feel/recognize the underlying cause of a story, view, opinion and rambling. We begin first by practicing listening, restating what we heard, asking clarifying questions and then moving into deep listening, watching the subtleties of the body movement, eye movement, and emotions behind words. In this deeper level of listening we quite literally get into the shoes of the other person. As sales people this is a developed skill and therefore is possible for all people to develop the art of listening with the heart. While it is useful in sales, the real value comes when we practice listening with the heart in all our personal relationships. This skill develops lasting relationships built on trust, confidence, compassion and love. P.S. This is the same way in quiet meditation that we come to know the Self and hear from our God the answers to our own challenges.