 Happy June! Here in the US it is definitely summer. In my lovely desert-city we've already had a week of average temperatures of 105+ degrees fahrenheit! Good thing I like the heat, and added bonus, it pushes me to get out earlier in the morning for my bike rides!
In today's article I give you some tips on how to become a better listener, something I think most of us could improve on- including myself. I've been experimenting with the levels of listening and paying more careful attention to the blocks listed in the article, and wow, a few thoughtful tweaks makes a huge difference in the quality of conversations!
Better listening naturally leads to better relationships, and better relationships leads to more happiness in ALL areas of your life. So brush up on those listening skills, and for additional help with your relationships, June's Group Call is on Family Relationships. Yay, just in time for family reunions and vacations!
Read more below and click the link to register and get some "good vibes" going with your family!
Much love,
SimplyHealed™ Group Call
 Topic: Family Relationships
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
12pm PT / 1pm MT / 2pm CT / 3pm ET
Do you have a family that puts the FUN in dysfunction? Do you cringe at the thought of spending a weekend with certain family members? Or, maybe you have a great family, but there’s
been some recent ‘upsets’ that have caused some tension or awkwardness.
Whether your family relationship troubles are big or small, I can help you with that! I've worked with thousands of people over the years,and have seen remarkable, positive changes occur within a family when even just one person shifts their energy. Healing can start with you.
Yes, even if you feel like you are the only “normal” one in your family! -smile- We are the chain-breaking generation, and it’s time to release those unhealthy patterns.......
PLUS! We will also be sending out dedications to loved ones, to help balance that "family energy"!
PS Be sure to see what replays are still available in case you missed a previous group call. Just go to the page link above and scroll down.
Private Sessions with Carolyn
I have opened up more June dates in my private session calendar with a limited number of time slots. To learn more or to check out the available dates, click here:
June 2016
Registration ends June 15, 2016
SimplyHealed™ 6-month Certification Track
with 4-day LIVE Training
(Taught by Carolyn Cooper, Founder of SimplyHealed™)
St. George, Utah
Tuesday to Friday,
June 21 - 24, 2015
(Paypal payment option still available. OAC.)
Click here for more information and to register.
SimplyHealed™ Refresher
(Taught by Carolyn Cooper, Founder of SimplyHealed™)
*For anyone who has attended the 4-day course.
Come join me and other like-minded practitioners in refreshing your skills and know-how (plus have some great fun and make awesome memories)!
Two options available!
-
St. George, Utah - Thurs & Fri, July 21 & 22, 2016
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Wed. evening, July 20th - Welcome Dinner (details when you register!)
(Registration ends July 15th)
 I love MyMiracle Tea®!
Each month I share something with you here that has helped to enhance my life. I have been drinking My Miracle Tea® for several years now and I must say - this is worth sharing!
This is an all natural herb tea which contains NO caffeine. I drink it every day and love it. My husband Dean, my sister, and mom tried it and are now long-time fans as well!
To learn more or to purchase "MyMiracle Tea®", just click here.
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Listening Tips and Traps: How do you rate?
 Have you ever noticed how GOOD it feels to be really listened to? It’s impactful, particularly when the listening goes beyond just the words you’re speaking. That kind of artful listening conveys respect and value to the speaker, and promotes positive relationships of all kinds.
And, like any art, it takes practice.
According to widely referenced statistics by Dr. Albert Mehrabian, known for his pioneering work in nonverbal communication, only 7% of communication happens through a person’s actual words (38% through tone and 55% through body language). That’s why it’s important to hone our skills to listen at deeper levels.
A good place to start is by understanding the three listening levels described in the book Co-Active Coaching, by Laura Whitworth, Henry Kimsey-House and Phil Sandahl.
Listening Levels
Level 1—Internal: We hear the other person’s words, but our focus is on what it means to us—our thoughts, feelings, judgments and conclusions. We may also be concerned with what the other person thinks of us. This level is useful for checking in with our feelings or to make decisions.
Level 2—Laser-Focused: Our attention is focused like a laser beam on the other person, with little awareness of anything else. With such strong focus, we are curious, open and have little time to pay attention to our own feelings or worry about how we are being received. Mind chatter disappears with such a sharp focus.
Level 3—Global: Our attention is spread out like an antenna with a 360-degree range. It allows us to pick up emotions, energy, body language and the environment itself. Intuition heightens as we tune into the deeper layers of what is going on around us.
All three levels are necessary. However, when we spend too much time in self-focused Level 1 listening, our communication can seriously suffer. Engaging all three levels at once, with more emphasis on Levels 2 and 3, can improve how we listen—and the impact of how we are received.
Listening Blocks
Having spent more than 20 years training business people in listening skills, Richard Anstruther and his team of communication experts at HighGain, Inc., have identified five main listening blocks:
• Tune Out—Listeners are not paying attention to the speaker due to disinterest in the speaker or subject, thinking about other things or multitasking.
• Detach—Listeners are emotionally detached from the speaker, concerned with content only, not the feelings behind it. They may be only half listening, not really interacting, and miss the message’s underlying meaning.
• Rehearse—Listeners are concentrating on what to say or do next, rather than focusing on the speaker’s message.
• Judge—Listeners have a different opinion that causes them to block out new ideas and information or lose track of the conversation. They analyze and interpret the speaker’s delivery or message, missing the point. They criticize, give advice and make assumptions.
• Control—Listeners don’t allow the speaker to talk at his or her own pace. They constantly interrupt with comments or questions, and don’t allow the speaker to finish a point.
Try This!
Below are a few suggestions for honing your listening skills. Enjoy!
1. Experiment with Levels 1, 2 and 3 listening, one at a time, to fully understand the dynamics at each level. Try this in everyday conversation, or practice with someone. Take turns telling a story and listening. The results may surprise you!
2. Spend some time noticing how often you fall into tuning out, detaching, rehearsing, judging or controlling. What can you do to keep from falling into these common traps?
3. In your everyday conversations, or in an intentional practice session with a partner, explore each listening block, one at a time. Notice how you feel and the impact on the person with whom you are communicating.
The first step to developing artful listening is to choose to truly listen. As you continue to develop your listening skills, your communications and your relationships are likely to become increasingly satisfying and rich!
Have you discovered any powerful tips to help you listen better to those around you? Do you have any experiences of how better listening has helped you in your relationships? Please share with us in the comments section of the blog. Click here!
Author’s content used under license, © 2008 Claire Communications
Make it a Simply great day!
Carolyn
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