DeborahBurkeHenderson.com

MAY 2026 – DEEP LISTENING

Do you consider yourself a good listener or do you sometimes interrupt others mid-sentence? Deep listening is an important skill that can be developed over time. Being an active listener will lead to a deeper connection with the other person and a better understanding of them. Maintaining your silence while someone is speaking also offers that individual a sense of respect and empathy.

Too often, we’re so eager to voice our opinion or share an experience that we interrupt people before they fully voice theirs. If you find yourself wanting to interrupt, take a moment and pause.

You can’t learn when you’re speaking. Allow your conversation partner to finish expressing themselves. This can be difficult, especially when emotions run high, but then it’s even more important to be patient and allow for the full flow of the other person’s words.

It is said, “Listen to understand instead of listening to respond.”

Take a moment to reflect on their words. Have you learned something about the person? Can you sense how they feel about what they said? If you don’t understand something, ask a question to dig a bit deeper.

Above all, be present. Listen with empathy and compassion. This is how we'd like others to be with us when we’re speaking, right? You can participate in the conversation by providing cues that you are involved—lean in toward the other person, nod, or offer a facial expression of genuine interest and care.

Think about what you can do in the next conversation you have to ensure the other person feels heard.

The art of listening with intent is one that may take time to perfect, but it will always lead to a better understanding of and a stronger connection with the other person. Be willing to give your full attention to what’s being shared. This is the way of living intentionally, mindfully.

Deep listening is an incredible gift we can give to one another. 

American memoirist and poet Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

So, be sure to listen with your heart, your whole heart.

Blessings to you and yours,

Deborah

      ________________________

“The quieter you become the more you can hear.”

—Ram Dass, American spiritual teacher

My morning mantra:

"I arise this morning with a smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. 

I vow to live fully in each moment and to greet every being I meet with compassion."

        ~ Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist 

                                                                                    [1926 - 2022]