Train Your Mind Like a Puppy — Compassionate Listening Made Easy

Have you ever tried listening to someone, but all you could do was think about yesterday? Or imagine what you’re going to say next?

I’ve done both, plenty of times!

Have you ever angrily sent an email, fired off a text, or opened your mouth… just a little too soon?

Me too.

And it wasn’t so good for my work or my life.

Ideally, you want to be present so you can hear what’s being said, what’s not being said, and what to say or ask next.

I didn’t do this very well. But then I learned about of smiling, breathing, and relaxing my body,

The other person speaks; I smile, listen, and relax with a deep breath. When I noticed that I was distracted or spacing out, I’d shift my awareness back to smiling and relaxing again.

✓ And again.

✓ (Practice. )

✓ Just like training a puppy.

Have you ever tried to train a puppy?

You say “sit”.

She sits for a second or two, then wanders away. So you gently bring her back.

Again, you lovingly say “sit”. And in a few moments, off she goes. But after a while, she’ll sit.

Just like you.

When you realize you’re off track, you smile, relax, and re-focus with compassion to yourself.

Don’t scold the puppy.

Just start again.

So I practiced.

And over time, I could see things start to shift.

• I was more patient with people, even difficult ones.

• Day by day, I listened better, so I was able to ask better questions.

• Week by week, I became a better communicator.

And I found out later that it makes it a whole lot easier to get your book done, fast and right.

Want to get your book finished and in your hands in about six months? Then let’s speak ASAP.

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Photo by Austin Kirk via Unsplash