When listening to someone, take a step back (internally). Don’t focus on the “story” so much – but rather, pay close attention to the person speaking. Hear and respond to who is speaking, how they are presenting themselves, the language, the feeling you have from being in their presence, and ask yourself “what are they really saying to me that is beyond the words”.
If you think “I just can’t be mindful” – this article is for you.
So you’re not a meditation person, and can’t think of anything worse than trying to sit still focusing on your “feelings.” You can practice mindfulness without having to sit still.
There is a simple and powerful practice to improve your communications and capacity to be mindful. It is, quite simply, to pause before you speak and consider how you feel about what is going in the moment. Don’t stop reading here. This deceptively simple suggestion has profound power.