Break barriers down so as to open your mind
LaTonya Dunn
I recently read the Zen of Listening by Rebecca Shafir and in the book there were a number of exercises designed to move one towards becoming a more mindful listener. Shafir says that this has to do with opening the mind and clearing away the noise and barriers that hinder our ability to listen. There was one exercise in particular that I really appreciated and thought I would share it with you.
The exercise called for you to open your mind a couple times a week to something that you have previously been against and do not know much about. Then try the approach with your not so favorite people. The author gave her example which was that she had disliked football based on some preconceived notions about those who play and watch the game. However, she acknowledged that she had never taken the time to really watch a game. After doing so one day, the result was that she had an experience that widened her knowledge and understanding. She wrote that she discovered a few things about the sport that was interesting and entertaining, although it might not ever be her
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