In Communication, Listen for Intent

Keeping relationships flowing in a positive way can be daunting. They can be slippery at best when we try to maneuver around intricacies of daily life. We are human don't you know and no matter how hard we try to stay focused on the message the other person is sending us, we can easily be diverted to our history. How our parents and those significant others in our life managed their relationships affect us unconsciously. So we think we have this covered, sometimes operating in the "opposite" way our parents did, only to get tangled in the complexities of communication. Then the "he said, she said" cycle begins and we forget what the original message was in the first place.

How do we get around such communication glitches? Simple, listen to the other person when he/she speaks. I know, you did hear them the first time, right? Could it be that you were listening for words, not intent. This time listen for intent...for what might be the inner or core of the message. This is harder to do, and I admit it is definitely a higher level of listening, but so worth it in the long run. When you listen to the message, especially when it is heated, what is driving the message? What is behind the message in the first place? Key into this and the message is much easier to respond to without things getting out of hand.

Searching for the Waters of Antiquity

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San Jose, CA

"I found your book at my daughter's house and at first started reading it to my grand daughter thinking it was a child's book. As I read on I soon discovered the truth of why I was reading the book. It was meant to help fully understand the reality of my life, today as I battle two types of cancer. It has truly helped me with this struggle and given me a new prospective on dealing with the disease. The metaphors and meditative process is so simple it sneaks up on you and you find yourself becoming Tag. This is truly a book for children of all ages. I highly recommend this book to any one."

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Portland, Oregon