I took this photo at an outdoor concert in Faribault several years ago. To me, it illustrates the art of genuine listening. The smile on the woman’s face, the tilt of her head, tell me she is actively listening. Edited Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo July 2016.
YESTERDAY IN MY POST honoring the work of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., I emphasized the importance of listening.
Today, in a blog post published on Warner Press, I also emphasize listening. I wrote this post weeks ago, long before I penned the MLK piece. I encourage you to click here and read “Learning to Listen.” I can’t stress enough the importance of this skill in building and improving relationships, in making this world a better place.
Thank you for listening.
Disclaimer: I am paid for my work as blog coordinator and blogger for Warner Press, an Indiana-based Christian publishing company.
© Copyright 2020 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Nicely put! I think that in too many cases, we give the usual “I’m fine” response. Sometime that person that asked about you may be making an attempt at reaching out to another. We often don’t listen to what they are actually asking. ❤
Interesting thought…
I have taken multiple trainings on communication and listening is usually not a forefront topic or a topic not broaden on. I have learned over the years that not communicating well, disagreements and even hurt feelings are due to not listening and resulting in miscommunication. I have a training coming up next week and it peaked my interest because it addresses respect and success along with competitiveness and inclusion. It made me really think if what is missing in that mix is the act and the art of active and sincere listening. It makes me think about having to literally climb over one another to be heard, Why? I think we would be better off listening to each other to create a collaborative and successful outcome. I guess in a way I am old school in that I was taught to be part of a gathering group, observe and speak if I had something to add to the discussion. I am a pretty good observer and learning to be a better active listener. Great Topic Today!!! Happy Day – Enjoy 🙂
Renee, I always appreciate your comments because they are thoughtful and so spot-on. I have no doubt that you are an excellent listener.
Larry and Liz are the two in photo. Great people!
As I recall, I talked to them after photographing them. And I thought the same.
I am involved in Stephen Ministry at our church and the training includes listening skills.
The overall view: we are care givers, God is the cure giver. Much care giving is about listening and not fixing,
I enjoyed your blog on the Warner Press site too.
And, you, my dear Valerie, are one of the best listeners I know. Thank you for serving in Stephen Ministry. I like that quote: “We are care givers, God is the cure giver.” So true.
Nicely written post on listening. Warner Press is lucky to have you on staff. Your observations are always insightful, thoughtful and spot on.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Sue.