How do you actively listen and validate?
Hey there, in a world that’s always in a hurry, we often forget the simple but incredibly meaningful act of listening. In our rush to be heard and validated, we often miss out on the incredible power of truly hearing others, understanding their feelings, and resisting the urge to jump in with our own opinions. This blog post is all about “Listen, Understand, and Not Always Defend,” and I’ll share some examples to show how it can help us be more aware of ourselves and kinder to those around us.
Listening is like when your friend comes to you with a problem, and instead of immediately offering solutions, you sit down, give them your full attention, and say, “Tell me more.” That’s you truly listening. Introverts are usually good at this, enjoying those deep conversations. But we can all get better at it. By truly focusing on what others are saying, we create a space where they can open up and share their thoughts and feelings.
Understanding, or validating, is like saying, “I get how you feel, and it’s okay.” Imagine your friend had a rough day at work, and you say, “I can see why you’re upset. That sounds really tough.” When we validate someone, we show them that their feelings matter. This simple act can build stronger connections with others and make us more understanding.
THE MOST TRICKY PART OF IT ALL
Now, here’s the tricky part: not always defending our own ideas. It’s like when you’re having a discussion with a family member who has a different political view. Instead of immediately jumping in to defend your stance, you listen to their perspective without interruption. You might say, “I see where you’re coming from.” It’s not about agreeing, but about giving them space to express themselves.
Now, let’s talk about how these habits can help us be more aware of ourselves and be kinder. When we listen and validate others, we become more empathetic. Imagine you’ve had a tough day, and a friend says, “I can tell you’re feeling down. What’s going on?” That empathy isn’t just for others but also for ourselves. We start to understand our own feelings better, which leads to self-compassion.
THE POWER OF LISTENING INSTEAD OF DEFENDING
So, to sum it up, “Listen, Understand, and Not Always Defend” is a powerful tool for everyone. It helps us connect with others, become more self-aware, and treat ourselves and others with more kindness. To learn more about these skills and how they can transform your life, keep reading our blog for practical tips.
Ready to explore the world of self-awareness and compassion further? FOLLOW ME below to check out our next blog post coming next week, “The Journey to Self-Compassion: Embracing Your True Self.”
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