Do you feel that you are a good listener?  
Has anyone ever asked, "Did you hear what I just said"?
Do you find that you want to be heard before you are ready to listen?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you may want to read on to learn how your listening level may affect others.  In this time of the "unknown" as we continue to forge our way through COVID-19, I have heard all 3 Levels of Listening in many conversations.  Being heard seems to take precedence over listening as the "unknown" makes us weary.  There is a "knowledge gap" and divisiveness when Level 1 listening prevails.
If we have any hope of "bridging the gap", please take the time to learn:


The Art of Listening
The different levels of listening are powerful in teaching how to truly hear what one is saying to another, not just through words, but through the emotions behind the words.


Level 1 listening:   The listener is consumed with thought while being spoken to and does not hear the message.  The listener is not present in the conversation.   This usually results in some form of these questions:
 “Are you listening to me?”  “Did you hear what I just said?”
Level 1 listening creates a gap!


Level 2 listening:   The listener is paying attention to the message and thinking of what to say next with the result of hearing a percentage of the words.  This is a volley type of conversation.    The listener hears words and can understand that they may hold emotion, but does not always "see" or "feel" beyond the words.
Level 2 listening begins to bridge a gap!


Level 3 listening:  The listener is fully present, hears every word and feels the emotion behind the words allowing for deeper and more intimate conversation.  There is a volley like conversation at a much slower pace allowing the speaker and listener to feel their way through the conversation. This results in the speaker feeling cared for and worthy of the conversation.  
Level 3 listening fully bridges the gap!


If you tend to be a Level 1 listener, practice concentrating on the other person's words rather than your thoughts. 
At Level 2, practice fully listening before you volley back with your thoughts.
Know that Level 3 listening takes practice, attention and sometimes, training. However, the affinity that this brings to relationships is priceless.


Give someone the true gift of listening today!
Peace, Dr Lorri

​

I have taken the last two weeks to reflect on what it means to Unite. As messages that portray either Unity or Divisiveness are flooding all forms of our media, I feel perplexed regarding how this pandemic has become yet another political issue.   I truly hope that we can somehow find a way to:


UNITE


Undo Negativity, Ignite Truth & Empathy


I realize that Unity and Divisiveness are touchy subjects normally and even more so at this time in our existence.  However, these two schools of thought are so palpable in daily life that they may need to be broached a bit more often with the hopes of bridging the ever widening gap that exists between the two.  This should be a time of pure Unity as people are losing their lives on a daily basis to a new and confusing virus.  Instead, political affiliations are being used to blame the other as if the virus was created for political gain.

Please know that I understand the worry and despair that has come in “closing the economy”.  I own a health care business.  We have remained open as an essential business per the guidelines and we are running at a fraction of the norm.  Major decisions were made that affected the health and well-being of our family, our staff and clients and the stress involved has taken its toll on many people.  
I have taken time to imagine being a political leader who has to make decisions regarding our human health and that of the economy.  I can only imagine the stress!  I am grateful that these leaders have very intelligent people who act as guides and that lives have been saved due to their due diligence!

Through it all, we have made choices to focus on the fact that this is a virus that has spread through the world and that has affected every race, sex, religion, nationality, region and political affiliation.  It is a virus that is challenging us at all levels. It is DARK and it has taken the lives of over 200,000 people worldwide!   However, if we choose to heed the advice of Mr. Rogers' mother and “look for the helpers”, LIGHT can be seen everywhere!

As I have reflected, I realized that I am deeply perplexed as to why this COVID situation has become a political issue.  I am saddened when I read and hear blanket statements like, “All of the Democrats/Liberals want this” and “All of the Republicans want that”.  With millions of people enlisted on both sides and somewhere in between, how can we ever make a blanket statement that resembles the truth?

I am perplexed that political thoughts tend to rule what we say and how we treat each other.  I truly believe that most of us, regardless of political affiliation, want the same things:  a healthy economy, effective and affordable healthcare, equal rights that allow us to choose what is the highest and best for ourselves and others, a reduction in taxes, affordable schooling and the list goes on.  Sadly, our political society has taught us to choose a camp and then fight like hell to keep the boundaries intact.  I hope that new leaders emerge from this pandemic who can bridge the “knowledge gap” that breeds divisiveness.  Through education and communication, Truth can prevail and we can UNITE objectively and with Empathy!
We have the power to fill the  Knowledge Gap and make the decision to UNITE!


Please take a few moments to listen to President George W Bush.  The timing of his message is perfect:  
https://mobile.twitter.com/thebushcenter/status/1256607729151619073?ref_url=https%3a%2f%2fd-36996289322126282687.ampproject.net%2f2004240001480%2fframe.html


                                          We, The People can:
                         Undo Negativity, Ignite Truth & Empathy


With Unifying Thoughts,
Dr Lorri