BE TOTALLY PRESENT: I was taking a leisurely walk today and along the way I met a friend who was walking her dog. We were both glad to see each other and as usual whenever we connected our conversations were special. As we were talking someone else who was walking his dog came by and the nature of our conversation changed. I waited politely for a few minutes to get back to our conversation and when I realized that was unlikely continued on with my walk.

So that got me to thinking about other situations when I am interrupted or when I interrupt. What is the protocol if there is one or is it strictly situational? When you have kids it happens all the time. The word interrupt is not in their vocabulary. And what about when you have a conversation with a friend and they interrupt you and you can’t even finish your thought. I hate it when someone interrupts me…It definitely pushes all of my buttons…although lately I’m better with it.

Isn’t it great when you are having a conversation and you know the other person is really listening? They are really there. Communicating with someone who is listening is great because they are totally present. As we develop our listening skills which is a lost art we experience the present moment more and more. And real communication involves much more than just hearing the words that are being said. And that is perhaps the key to lifelong fulfillment…getting who the other person is!! If you want to have deeper relationships…learn to be there…to get the other person…not to give them advice or to be right.

What can you do to increase your ability to be totally present?

Journey On

Mark

JOURNEY ON is a blog dedicated to personal and professional development. Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach, inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He also publishes, Letters on Life, an inspirational ezine. His articles reflect this journey in an inspirational and motivational way. http://www.inspirepossibility.com

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 4th, 2007 at 2:28 pm and is filed under inspiration, leadership development, relationships, life coaching, personal coaching and mentoring, change, abundance, personal growth and development. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.