People Are Dying To Be Heard
After 25 years as a journalist and 20 years as a talk show host,
listening expert Ben Merens believes that PEOPLE ARE DYING TO BE HEARD.
In his new audio book of the same title, Merens relates stories from
his many experiences over the years as a professed “in the
moment” listener.
Ben Merens speaks about three levels of listening:
- Listening to yourself
- Listening to loved ones and friends
- Listening to strangers
Merens states, "Healthy communication is a two-way process where
listening is the key to success. The most important aspect to listening
well is to be in the moment and focused entirely on the person you are
with. This especially applies to how we interact with everyone, from
our friends and loved ones, to our colleagues at work, and even to
strangers.”
An informal evening chat by Ben at the
Cornerstone Shoppe in Lake Geneva,
WI here
Ben Merens' message is specially
suited for:
Book Ben for a speaking or
training engagement by calling (414)
403-0511. Email here.
Listening thought of the day:
2-1-13 The seasons of your life don't
always match nature's seasons. Know your season and act accordingly.
1-31-13 Having an unknown destination
doesn't mean that you are lost; it just means you're in for a surprise.
1-30-13 Hearing the possibilities only
happens when you are willing to sit still and listen for them.
1-29-13 The only thing sadder than
speaking
about change, is not having change to speak about.
1-28-13 You are strongest in your
silence...when someone speaks at you. When they go silent too -- you've
gained even more strength.
1-27-13 Hear the cry of another and
listen to their stories. Respond from the heard and they will do the
same.
1-25-13 You might not always like what
you hear ... dignity is maintained by keeping most of your thoughts to
yourself.
1-24-13 Every conversation allows
someone to be heard and you to gain direction. Listen often and
carefully or you risk missing crucial information.
1-23-13 When you have nothing to say,
your silence is not only wise but respectful.
1-16-13 Sometimes your voice is never
more powerful than when you allow it to be silent.
1-15-13 Be grateful for the time that
others give you to hear your life story...and thank them so they know
what a gift they gave you.
1-14-13 Your ability to hear others is
only limited by your willingness.
1-11-13 Focused listening is an art
that we can all excel at ... but not without practice. Practice today.
1-10-13 Simple conversation can be
full of sustenance. Your complete presence makes this so.
1-09-13 There are three stages to true
conversation: listening; speaking; and shared silence.
1-08-13 Sometimes it is better to just
keep your big mouth shut.
1-07-13 Real communication happens
when you lead with your heart and follow with your mind and soul.
1-03-13 From joy to sorrow ...
happiness to anger ... all of your emotions have the right to be heard
and felt. Don't suppress any of them.
12-27-12 You can listen with your
ears, eyes and/or mind...but you must listen with your heart to truly
hear anything.
12-26-12 Be present when you have the
opportunity to listen to a loved one...as you may never get another
chance.
12-18-12 Your words have impact far
greater than you can ever know. Choose them wisely.
12-17-12 Your truest thoughts are
real, don't have to be shared but should be heard by you. Listen to
yourself.
12-16-12 Give your loved ones a
frequent ear. Hear their stories with gratitude. Share your stories the
same way.
12-15-12 The music in you only helps
others when you let it out. Share what is in you and allow others to do
the same by listening to them.
12-14-12 While you might not always
hear them, others might be talking about you. Be worthy of their words.
12-13-12 Be still, be present, hear
your life in order to live it more fully.
12-12-12 Speak from your heart and
even the tough messages will be heard.
12-11-12 A friend's cry for help is
often disguised in bursts of anger, frustration or sadness. Listen to
help them heal.
12-10-12 A long conversation with a
good friend is like pure oxygen for the soul.
12 -08-12 Hearing starts in your
heart. Listen with compassion and allow someone to feel heard
completely.
12-05-12 Don't fear sitting quietly in
silence with another. The intimacy can speak volumes.
12-03-12 Be thankful when someone
takes the time to listen to you and tell them how important their act
of kindness was to you.
11-29-12 You can help another through
a crisis by just sitting silently with them.
11-28-12 Your essence can't be
diminished by the cruel words of another...Your strength allows you to
be silent in the face of those words.
11-27-12 When others are incapable of
speech, you can still listen to them and allow them to be heard.
11-26-12 You always have the ability
to be present but never have the opportunity to get a missed moment
back. Be present.
11-24-12 Your path in life is often
determined by the people you listen to ... unless you fail to hear them.
11-21-12 Be grateful for people who
share their stories with you and allow you to do the same.
11-20-12 Your willingness to listen to
another can come back to you in ways you never imagined...unless you
decide not to listen.
11-19-12 Everyone's voice counts and
you make this so every time you give someone your complete attention.
11-17-12 Sitting still and being quiet
is not doing nothing...it is something we all need to do in order to be
a better listener.
11-15-12 Speak up when someone close
to you isn't listening and let them know you'd appreciate their ear.
11-14-12 Your future is enhanced by
time you offer others in your present.
11-13-12 You have the right to remain silent
but the responsibility to stay connected.
upcoming events
Ben is talking about the importance of listening at the end of life
conference Friday, November 16 at the
Medical Technology
Management Institute.
Ben Merens Named
Special Service Award Recipient - Alzheimer’s
Association Selects 2012 Award Winners
recent events
Ben was a guest on Janel Planet's "Homegrown Spotlight" recently.
Here's the interview.
Ben spoke at Unity of Appleton, Sunday April, 29, 2012 - for photos
and audio go here.
