328. The Gift of Listening: Mindful Communication Beyond Fixing
As physicians, caregivers, parents, and human beings, we see discomfort and move quickly toward a solution. It comes from love and is often well-intended.
It is often not what the person in front of us needs or wants.
In this episode, Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang and Dr. Jessie Mahoney explore mindful communication: listening with presence rather than immediately fixing, advising, correcting, or rescuing.
The desire to help can sometimes be experienced as judgment.
Simply being present is often one of the most generous things we offer another person.
Presence is the caring. For you and for the person you are listening to. It also saves energy for when you need it the most.
Listen to learn practical, embodied ways to “arrive” before a conversation, including a few breaths, a hand to heart, a mindful walk, a moment of silence, and/or an intention to connect.
Mindful communication is the practice of noticing when we rush to solve, and of being present.
Listen to learn a different way to approach difficult conversations and how to let go of the need to fix everyone’s discomfort.
Reflection Questions
When someone comes to you with a problem, is your first instinct to fix it or simply to listen?
Where might your desire to help sometimes be perceived as judgment?
What does it feel like in your body when you are truly listening?
What can you do before an important conversation to show up present?
Who in your life might benefit from being listened to rather than being fixed?
If you are ready for change, coaching helps.
1:1 and Small Group Physician Coaching: https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching
Free Live-Stream Mindful Yoga:www.jessiemahoneymd.com/yoga
Jessie's Blog: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/jessies-blog
*Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice. The Healing Medicine Podcast was formerly known as the Mindful Healers Podcast.