Hey everyone. How are we doing? This week in class we learned about Communication. We talked about the process of communicating. The purpose of communicating is to be understood, which is a basic human need. Not just to understand the words that are said but to truly understand the message, the ideas, the thoughts, and the feelings behind the words and sometimes even the words not said. Brother Williams said it this way, “To be understood is like oxygen.” It is so true. If we feel like someone understands us we breathe easier. It is a huge relief to know that someone gets us even if we can’t always explain it well. But how do we get to this point in communication.
I think the key is to learn how to listen with empathy. One way to do this is to be active in listening to what is said, and how it is said. The tone of voice can change the meaning of words a lot.
The second way I think we can improve communication is to validate what is being said. So if say your friend has had a hard day is telling you all about it. You could say “that does sound hard it is no wonder you’re frustrated.” You are validating the feelings they have without offering to fix anything. In a way you are giving them permission to feel that way without judgment.
The third way is to just rephrase or summarize what is being said to help clarify your understanding or to show the other person that you where actually listening and you understand. Only offer advice if they ask for it, most people will work through problems themselves. They just need someone to listen while they talk through their thoughts and feelings. They need someone to bounce ideas off.
So, how does this help in building strong health families? I think that if we can teach our kids how to listen this way to seek for understanding and nothing else. We could help so many people. If our families and friends knew that they were understood on this level it would strengthen the bonds of love so much. They would be unbreakable.
The second way I think we can improve communication is to validate what is being said. So if say your friend has had a hard day is telling you all about it. You could say “that does sound hard it is no wonder you’re frustrated.” You are validating the feelings they have without offering to fix anything. In a way you are giving them permission to feel that way without judgment.
The third way is to just rephrase or summarize what is being said to help clarify your understanding or to show the other person that you where actually listening and you understand. Only offer advice if they ask for it, most people will work through problems themselves. They just need someone to listen while they talk through their thoughts and feelings. They need someone to bounce ideas off.
So, how does this help in building strong health families? I think that if we can teach our kids how to listen this way to seek for understanding and nothing else. We could help so many people. If our families and friends knew that they were understood on this level it would strengthen the bonds of love so much. They would be unbreakable.