Valentine's Day is a time when hearts are displayed everywhere. The day is about showing how you love others and accepting theirs in return. The heart is a great symbol of acknowledging love, strength, and intuition.
While I really like the beauty of a simple drawn heart, it has come to mean even more when someone needs advice or mentoring or just to be heard. Using your heart serves to remind you to show love, show strength and to come up with the right words.
Are you a good sounding board when someone needs advice? Do you have the listening skills ready to understand the questions, ideas or solutions that may be of service?
It's always important to be ready when a good friend, family member or coworker wants some mentoring or discuss how to make the best decision.
Try This: Actively Listen with Your Heart
Sometimes it's hard to avoid offering solutions or jumping in with a bunch of questions. The key is active listening with your heart this week:
- Face the speaker and have eye contact.
- Avoid judging or jumping to conclusions.
- Check for non-verbal cues.
- Don't interrupt.
- Don't start planning what to say next.
- Don't impose your opinions or solutions.
- Stay focused.
- Ask questions.
To help being present whether in person or over the phone, put a hand on your heart when the other person is talking. It will remind you to listen to her/him with your heart! And, for more on active listening, check out this article, "10 Tips for Active Listening."*