How was your last conversation with a friend or family member? Did you tell a story? Did you really listen? And did you ask questions?
We sometimes think about what to say next, mentally check our to-do list or plan our next meal while we talk to someone.
You've been on the other side. Did you ever talk with somebody and felt that they are not fully there, with you, in the present moment?
Mindfulness means to be aware of the present moment, non-judgementally. This includes talking to and, more important, listening to others.
It changes not only your feelings when you practice mindful listening. Your conversation partner notices you're genuinely interested in what they wish to tell you, and that you're not only waiting for your next turn to speak.
"The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers." - Thich Nhat Hanh
Be present when you talk with someone. Understand what they think and how they are feeling. Ask questions. Paraphrase what they say. Show empathy. Be compassionate.
Reading Recommendations
I’ve Been Meditating For 48 Years - Don Johnson - Medium
A wonderful story from someone who went out to find inner truth, and found a lifetime of meditation.
Lessons learned from meditating, Life lessons, Self-awareness, spirituality, personal growth
The Tiny Brain Cells That Connect Our Mental and Physical Health | WIRED
A new understanding of long-overlooked cells called microglia is challenging the assumption that body and brain function are completely independent.
The Core 6 Refactorings – Arlo Being Bloody Stupid
Not all refactorings are created equal. Some get used a lot more than others. This is especially true with highly-indebted code. There’s a reason for this. Sets of refactorings are commonly used together to solve classes of problems, and some problems are more common than others. If you are learning to refactor, learn your tool in sets.
Weekly Mindfulness Practice
You can do this in one conversation, or try it for a full day:
In your conversation, don't talk about yourself without the other person asking. Instead, just be curious about the other person. Be fully present and try to thoroughly understand your conversation partner.
End note
When this was interesting to you, there might be someone you know who will also like this. Please consider forwarding this mail to that person.
Have a great week
Simon
PS: If you found an article you think others might like and that fits this newsletter, I’d love it if you write me an email.