How To Practice Deep Listening

I was inspired to dive deeper into Deep Listening after I read How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell. Her book focuses on turning inward and detaching from “busy culture” - this book spoke to me during this turbulent time of quarantine. I’ve been passionate about dismantling my ideologies around productivity and linking my work to my self-worth. While I’m passionate about my work and it is a big part of me -it’s important to remember it doesn’t define my worth as a human. I’m using this time to shift my mindset even more towards nourishing myself and my relationships. To dive deeper into the self - I truly believe Deep Listening is a key component to self-awareness. We become more perceptive and will interact more authentically with others when we develop an authentic relationship with ourselves. Here are three techniques to practice Deep Listening.

1. Mindful Awareness Meditation

   Cultivating a healthy relationship with yourself is essential during your mindfulness journey. David Rome defines this practice as “….a way of fundamentally making friends with ourselves, based on an attitude of gentle, non-reactive noticing.” While practicing Mindful Awareness Meditation - I invite you to sit with the things you’re hearing, feeling, seeing, and allow them to sit with you. Be grounded in yourself while the world moves around you. Tune in to your Meditation Anchors to begin your Mindful Awareness practice.

2. Savoring

   This practice allows us to enjoy a moment rather than clinging to it, it helps us live in the present rather than focusing on the fear of that moment ending. Savoring is being fully present - one of my favorite savoring practices is having a silent meal. Typically breakfast is a great time for this practice. While you’re eating, or even while you’re preparing your meal- notice the smells, textures, sounds, and taste of each part of your process, and each bite. Be fully present with yourself and send gratitude to the food that is nourishing you. You can then take this practice a step further when you’re sitting in stillness or interacting with someone - dive into that moment, savoring the sounds, sights, smells, and the spaces in between.

3. Noticing

   Take a moment to pause today and notice with neutrality. How are you sitting? Where are your feet planted? Without judgment, comparison, or trying to change anything, take note. I teach this technique in my yoga classes to help people meet themselves where they are at that moment. Allowing yourself to be in the pose exactly as you are and soften into it. Listen to what your body tells you - it knows what you need. You can practice tuning into your body by doing a body scan meditation - starting at the bottom of your feet to the crown of your head, soften with your breath.

The more we practice tuning in to ourselves and our surroundings - the better we can authentically connect with others. Deep Listening starts with you - turn inward and notice.

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