Talking Joy Podcast · The Art of Listening with Kay Lindahl for Talking Joy

Learn the art of listening with Kay Lindahl, founder of the Listening Institute! “Listening is so close to being loved, that most people cannot tell the difference.” During our Talking Joy podcast conversation, we explore ways to create more peace, harmony, and love in your life. This conversation will encourage you to expand your awareness and broaden your concept of listening. I believe this is the key to the peace and togetherness we are all seeking. Honing our listening skills can and will make the world a better place.

—The Talking Joy Podcast Interview with host Pam Rotelle Robertson

ABOUT KAY LINDAHL

Kay has been described as an inspired presence with passionate energy. For the past twenty-seven years, she has dedicated her life to the art of listening. She founded The Listening Center in 1997 with the mission of exploring the sacred nature of listening. Kay’s experience of listening came about through the grassroots interfaith organization that she founded called The Alliance for Spiritual Community. She wanted to promote mutual understanding and respect among people of diverse religious backgrounds. She learned that the key to reaching these goals was to create a space where we could practice the art of dialogue.

“Learning to truly listen to one another is the beginning of new understanding and compassion, which deepens and broadens our sense of community.”

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Listening is so close to being loved, that most people cannot tell the difference.”

~Kay Lindahl

TOP TEN POWERFUL LISTENING PRACTICES:

PURCHASE THE BOOK, The Sacred Art of Listening: here! — **PURCHASE THE BOOK, The Sacred Art of Listening:** here!

Stop talking.
One person speaks at a time. One of the most irritating listening habits is that of interrupting.
Pause before speaking.
Allow the person who is speaking time to complete their thought, wait a few seconds before responding. Another variation on this is to ask “Is there anything else?” There almost always is.
Listen to yourself.
Be in touch with your inner voice. Ask yourself, “What wants to be said next?”
Listen for understanding.
You do not have to agree with what you hear, or even believe it, to listen to understand the other person.
Ask for clarification.
If you do not understand what someone is saying, just ask.
Let the speaker know that you have heard them.
Body language: nodding, facial expressions.
Be patient and present.
Listening well takes time and your presence.
Listen with an open mind.
Be curious and appreciative of what you are listening to. Listen for new ideas instead of judging and evaluating.
Pay attention to the environment.
Stop what you are doing to listen.
Turn off background noise when possible; move to a quieter corner of the room; clear your desk.
Listen with empathy and compassion.
Put your agenda aside for the moment. Put yourself in their shoes.
It only takes one minute a day to...
... practice silence.
Spend at least one minute each day intentionally silent.
... practice reflection.
Ask yourself, “What is emerging now? What wants to be said or done now?” Then wait for your inner wisdom.
... practice mindfulness.
Spend at least one minute per day aware of what you are doing for each second.

CONTACT KAY:

Website: www.sacredlistening.com

PURCHASE THE BOOK, The Sacred Art of Listening: here.

“The cultural and religious diversity of our communities calls for a way of listening that transcends words and belief systems. Learning to truly listen to one another is the beginning of new understanding and compassion, which deepens and broadens our sense of community.”

– Kay Lindahl

Pam with Kay Lindahl, founder of the Listening Institute