Listening With An Open Heart

Have you ever taken time to think about the art of listening, the process of listening or just the subject of listening?

There are many types of listening. 

Informational listening- this is when we not only listen to understand but to retain the comprehension of what we've heard.

Critical listening- this listening helps us to analyze complex information.

Appreciative listening-we listen to the speaker with an appreciation to meet their needs.

Emotional listening-this type of listening is to provide emotional support and build a relationship with the speaker. 

Ear Hustling 

I would like to add another form of listening, I got the name from my cousin, Kimmy, she calls it "Ear Hustling".  For me, most of the time I've shared with her the conversations I heard my father speak, I want to make it clear that it was not intentional.  This means that I didn't intend to hear the conversation.  I just happened to walk in while the conversation was being had. 

I had no motive behind listening to the conversations.  But I learned a lot from them. 

My transparent hand is waving as I write this because I do this a lot with the children we mentor.  I ear hustle.

I admittedly listen to their conversations.  I mean, I'm right there, in their presence while they are conversing with one another.

There have been times when I 'put myself' in their conversations.  Oddly enough, they have never accused me of 'listening to their conversations' or 'being nosey', or not "minding my own business".

Why Do I Ear Hustle?

The benefits are many.  I learn so much about them.  

Those conversations allow me to learn what type of music they attracted to and what they listen to.  One assignment was for them to list three of their favorites songs and write down the lyrics. 

Benefit: By reading the lyrics and learned what they were feeding their minds.  Words are powerful. 

Not just with their selection of music, but by ear hustling I learn who influences them.

At one time they spoke so much of the artist Sexy Red, whose real name is Janae Nierah Wherry. I was compelled to research her.  

Benefit: I discovered what the attraction was.  By addressing them in lessons and conversations, the attraction decreased.  

Listening With A Open Heart

One of the things we remind the children in GBOC is that they can discuss anything with us without fear of judgement. They must however, do it in a respectful manner. This approach has allowed them to be free and open with us. 

We listen with an open heart. This allows them to have a safe space for vulnerability.  We focus on their feelings and experiences with intentions of sharing hope, understanding and when needed proper direction and guidance. 

I can't tell you how many times I've had adults say how during childhood they wished they had someone to listen to them with an open heart. 

We can be the listeners with open hearts for others. 

Picture credit: Jon Tyson@unsplash.com