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Centered Listening
Effective listening is a skill that can easily be developed. With this simple listening exercise you can begin improving your listening ability.
If nothing else, you will definitely feel more relaxed after you've taken the time to get centered and listen.
Sit in a space by yourself. Close your eyes.
Listen to the sounds you can hear coming from outside the building. Suppose you didn't know where your were, what could you deduce from listening to the sounds? What sorts of sounds are coming in? Dogs barking? Car alarms? Let the sounds wash over you.
Now move your listening into the building you are in. Concentrate on sounds inside the building. Do you hear footsteps? Music in another room? Doors opening or closing?
Bring your listening into the room you are currently in. Listen to the sounds of the room. Are you near a computer? Do you hear it buzzing? If there is a candle near you, can you hear the flame?
Listen to the sound of yourself - your breathing, your slightest movement, even your heartbeat.
Practice this type of listening in different environments and at different times of the day. With practice, you'll begin to absorb more and hear different sounds each time you do this exercise. You may find that just sitting still to do this focused attention exercise is a challenge!
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