The Wisdom of Listening

by Mark Brady (Editor)

The benefits of practicing true listening are very real. Through refining our listening skills, we not only understand just what to say; we also understand when not to say anything at all. We become more open, present, and responsive. In turn, we renew the sense of peace within ourselves.

And the effects on our romantic, family, and professional relationships are undeniable.

In The Wisdom of Listening , award-winning author, teacher, and trainer Dr. Mark Brady and contributors that include Ram Dass and A.H. Almaas, help us to develop the ""listening warrior"" inside us all. Inspiring and easy to follow, the lessons here can transform the ways that we interact with others, whether in a large meeting or in a face-to-face encounter.

Listening is almost a lost some of us may have forgotten how to do it; some of us may have never quite learned. The Wisdom of Listening gives readers the skills to overcome our culture's tendency towards distraction and reaction, and to be more fully in the world.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2003

Reviews

[Danielle Shroyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stylistically speaking, I’m not a huge fan of compilations. I find them a bit jarring and would prefer to read an entire book rather than a collection of excerpts. That being said, I do think this is a nice compilation of a range of perspectives on the art of listening. If you’re in a listening profession, it’s a nice way to read a chapter and ponder the wisdom in it each night before bed. It works less well when read altogether, in my view.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book. Each chapter is written by a different person from a different but related profession. They are all insightful. There is, however, one angle of 'listening' that is not included that I feel would be immensely beneficial to readers adn writers alike - that of a body worker... an energy practicer (of the ilk of that Tibetan Doctor mentioned in chapter.....; a Nick Chitty; a particular kind of massage therapist - one who really really tunes in to hear what the body has to say... one who hears the nuance and subtleties of the those messages and that language.

[Kent Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each essay in this book takes a new look at how to really listen. True listening is hard work and there really is no immediate reward for doing it. In fact truly listening is often tough in that you will hear things you don't want to hear. That is why most people do not listen well in the first place. This is also applies to listening to ourselves as well. The essays in this book are really useful for improving your listening skills and for working on being in the present moment and for being mindful.

[Lyddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wisdom of Listening was a little more focused on hospice work whereas I would have preferred a greater variety of professional or personal experiences represented, but the essays were generally very good to excellent.

[Happyreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically a Listening reader. Some essays are only OK while a few others, like Margaret Thuxaw's "The Healing Power of Being Deeply Heard" are thoughtful and helpful.

[Philippa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting book especially in how to listen to those terminally ill or dying. Not christian so you have to eat the chicken and spit out the bones. Lot of new-age stuff.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different essays on listening. Most have a Buddhist slant. Though most of the essays are about caregiving, I think it has a broader appeal.

[Jen]

Excellent read, especially for anyone thinking about doing any kind of hospice.

[Akhilesh Chaturvedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its good book and provide insight to listening through your heart. I liked the Strategic questioning a lot.