To acknowledge and ask
Is really quite a deep task
When this happens with sincere authenticity
Relational experiences will find proficiency
Collecting your thoughts to be sincere
Even if the journey seems very unclear
Seek to find an aligning and calming realm
Distance away from a potential overwhelm
Mindfully invest in whatever the experience
Offering self and others settled reassurance
As the next portion of pondering an authentic and proficient communication connection moves forward, how are YOU doing with this ? Have you taken small moments to ponder the potential of deep and rich engagement? The rigor of communication becomes a mindful and purpose-filled part of your being… An investment of building these skills holds the potential to foster strong relationships in a variety of venues.
ACKNOWLEDGEment will be the next priority in our journey of communication. While striving to acknowledge other parties can be both verbal and non-verbal, some of our finest moments of acknowledging someone may be best received in a quieter or softer form.
Ensuring the other person knows you are engaged in what they are saying to you can be accomplished in a variety of manners. Sometimes seeking to match their mood or presence like smiling if they are, or displaying sincere concern if the matter at hand is troubling, expresses respect and appreciation. Additionally, expressing a puzzled demeanor if you are involved in a conversation and lack understanding displays honesty and engagement. At times a simple nod with eye contact and open body language may be most productive.
Staying engaged is the key here…remembering to stay focused and committed to the task at hand is of utmost importance. Internally choosing to slow down and be mindful of the internal process inside yourself and the other party matters.
Some phrases that may be helpful in the moment could be…
“Ok…got it…”
“I hear what you are saying…”
“Makes sense to me…”
“Oh my…”
“Really???”
“Really!!”
“hmmmmm….I think I get it…”
ASKing questions is a vital piece of this process and can be enlightening to the listener. An effort to connect and clarify what is being heard or communicated from another is helpful. This requires more active involvement in the story or dialogue versus just simple statements of acknowledgement. Engaging into the actual perception and experience of the speaker offers freedom and the potential for a meaningful connection and perhaps attaining a solution.
Phrases that may be contribute well might sound like…
“Tell me more…”
“What do you mean by…?”
“Can you give me an example…??”
“Do I understand this correctly…?”
“Please help me better understand…”
Participating in this manner allows another to see that you are indeed engaged within the process and listening actively with a spirit of helpfulness, concern, and caring.
One important thing to remember here…ask questions to GAIN information, not to make a point!! Too many people disguise a point or rebuttal…in the form of a question. THIS is UNFAIR communication and often derails or shuts down the hope of helping. Making a point ends the thought with a period or exclamation point…in a finalizing…this is my take… manner. Asking a question should be done exhibiting an open heart and open hand mindset with a comfortable and spacious pause, inviting more thoughts…
Suggesting quality communication within the realm of acknowledgement and inquiry has benefits. Increased empathy has the potential to abound. Deepening of relationships by adding elements of true care and concern grow those around you but benefit and increase the depth of one’s own inner self and leads you mindfully on in navigating this journey we call life…go for it!
And …as always…feel free to add in and respond on the BLOG with your own thoughts and experiences…We truly do grow and learn from collaborative conversations of all types!
© Kathleen Bauer, Ed D 2020
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