Other-centeredness
I often contemplate if most people run from active listening when they discover it is other-centered-focused because they are unaccustomed to it.
Sometimes, we find it difficult to put someone else's needs before ours. In our society, we learn that behavior. It is second nature to us. It may be our first nature. But when it comes to active listening, it takes a back seat.
I often contemplate if most people run from active listening when they discover it is other-centered-focused because they are unaccustomed to it. It is not a familiar way of operating in the world.
When people enter into parenthood, they start to understand what other-centeredness involves. I am not suggesting all do, but when a child is born, most people experience a shift in their lives. The child becomes the focus. For some, it is their fur babies.🐶 It is a universal example of other-centeredness.
I am not suggesting we treat others as children or animals. I am asking for us to remember the act of focusing on the "other." It is a simple and familiar way to begin to adjust our thinking.
During our workshops, I teach sensory in nature exercises to help people learn the skill of recalibrating their minds to focus on the "other" and step out of their ingrained learning of self-centeredness. It is a state of mindfulness that is attainable when we take the time to practice it.
Other-centeredness is fundamental when it comes to active listening. It is part of the active listening process of being fully present when the speaker shares their experience and thoughts. It helps the active listener to focus on the speaker. We learn to get out of our heads to help the speaker destress, find clarity, achieve focus, and move forward.
Click the button below to access a complimentary digital copy of a sensory in nature exercise to help you with other-centeredness.