Listen to the stories around you. That is listen to the stories your friends, co-workers, acquaintances and others are sharing. You might even find it interesting to more consciously listen to your own stories. Then there are the stories that come to us by way of a book, the news, something we’re streaming, even a movie.
Listening means letting the teller know I am genuinely with them, in a way that isn’t disruptive. So you might find me nodding my head, leaning in, etc. Of course there are ways to act as though we’re listening while we are really thinking about what to have for dinner! This can be very counterproductive, and can often be felt by the person even if they can’t quite put a finger on what is going on.
If I find I cannot connect easily with the story I am listening to, I try to find a way to share this. For example, if someone I care about launches into a story and I am very tired and simply don’t think I can pay attention, I let them know how I am feeling and ask if they can tell me the story later. And, then I make sure to reconnect to listen at another time.
But what if a story needs to be heard in the moment? If this is the case, I often find the teller’s urgency to share usually gets my adrenaline going and it is easier to attend. If my adrenaline is not going, and I must listen, I find if I bring my curiosity, connection is often possible. Curiosity can be focusing and engaging.
I’ll talk more about listening at another time, but for today simply listen to the stories around you and notice whatever you notice.
Enjoy the stories and have a playful day,
Mary
P.S. If listening to stories was a meal in a restaurant would the person who is listening to your story be in for a 1 course, 2 course, 3 course or 8 course meal?
