Love Is Listening

By Natasha Rosewood

“Anything else?” are the two most important words you can ask when listening to a loved one express their painful truths to you . . . and then listen, really listen with love.  While we all know that communication is necessary for healthy relationships, few of us really know how to listen. Unless enlightened, our egos are usually so busy with our own stories and/or our defensive retorts, we often miss the subtler truths.

From time to time we all have to go through the queasiness of speaking and hearing hidden truths. Authentic listening is an effective tool because it allows us to connect with ourselves and each other.

Just a suggestion:
* Make each other feel safe during this vulnerable process.
* Express truth with courage. Some revelations might be painful.
* Excavate all the grievances.
* Remember that we are always right about how we feel.
* Listen and do not speak until the speaker is done.
* Practice patience. When the speaker appears to be finished, the listener asks “Anything else?”
* Maintain eye contact.
* Whether it’s your turn to speak or listen, offer the same respectful space so that both parties can feel liberated.

Being validated for our feelings prevents us from resorting to unhealthy avoidance tactics such as over-indulging in food, alcohol, drugs or work. Listening with love will not only set us free, it will bring us closer to each other and strengthen our trust in own experiences. And isn’t it nice to be heard? I mean, really heard. Anything else?

Natasha J. Rosewood is an international Psychic Mind Coach, Spiritual Healer, Workshop Facilitator, TV and Radio Personality, and Author of Aaagh! I Think I’m Psychic (And You Can Be Too). For more information on private, group and phone consultations, articles, speaking engagements, workshop events. Visit http://www.natashapsychic.com/