Listen deeply. When is the last time you listened without thinking ahead to formulate your next response?

Listen intently and without interruption to what is said. When is the last time you listened without interrupting?

Listen to the feelings beneath the words and to what resonates with you. When is the last time you listened for the emotional content in yourself and the other person, rather than taking the words at face value?

Listen to yourself also. Do you listen to yourself and how you are feeling about what is being said? Is your response to the content of what’s being said, or are you able to share your emotional responses?

Try to achieve a balance of listening, reflecting, and speaking.