Written by: Ms Anshu Sahi
In the current situations, our connections in the virtual world have become increasingly important. Due to the Coronavirus crisis, numerous meetings and classes have been shifted to the virtual format. Our real world connectivity is reduced, we have started depending more on the virtual world.
Virtual meetings can feel different than actual ones. This creates a new kind of stress in our experience of working. As a result, some of us may feel unheard and alone. These feelings are strong and have major repercussions. It can leave us feeling anxious and caged. These feelings have the potential to make us misapprehend and exaggerate our limitations also. It is hardly surprising that mental health problems have risen during the lockdown period.
This is also an aspect which is overlooked in our current education systems. We teach children to compete and achieve. But, do we emphasise enough on the importance of failure? Life is not always about winning. Failure is an important part of it
In this virtual world, as in person meetings are reducing, it has become more important to practice mindful listening. According to Communication Expert Rebecca Shafir, just a few minutes after a conversation the average person can remember only 25 percent of what someone has said. One reason is that in our lives, there are many distractions. Noise from the environment, electronic devices, and our own thoughts about what we want to say next distract us away from a conversation.
To listen effectively we have to listen mindfully. The goal of mindful listening is to silence the internal noise of your own thoughts, only then you can hear the whole message, and the speaker feels understood.
In her book, “The Zen Of Listening” Rebecca Shafir gives the advantages of mindful listening. According to her, mindful listening helps in retaining information. If you pause before you speak you can consider the effect of your words. Paying full attention and listening helps in boosting self-esteem of the other person.
Mindful listening is listening without judgment, criticism or interruption. We have to be aware of our internal thoughts and reactions which may get in the way of people communicating effectively. When we listen mindfully, we are fully present in the moment. This helps us to absorb the speaker's message in its entirety, and the speaker feels heard and respected. In this changed world where personal meetings have reduced, we are meeting loved ones and students only virtually mindful listening has become much more important.
Research suggests that children who learn to listen mindfully become more focused and responsive to their environment. It also lays the groundwork for social awareness and effective communication. Being able to listen mindfully helps in focusing on important words and phrases. This gives a young listener more context for understanding of what’s being said and how to respond. Mindful listening also prepares children to focus on important details in texts read aloud, following directions, resolving conflicts through discussion and building friendships.
Needless to say, it is a very important skill to have. Let us listen more actively and empathetically in our lives.
Comments