Many times, when we chat with another person, say a colleague or an aunt, or our parents or children, we switch off. While our head nods as if we are hearing, our mind catches up with the stuff we have to get done that day. Or it is busy judging the person who is talking or getting distracted with some thought.
So we are not present with that person. We are so busy in our minds with our thoughts and our feelings that we miss out on establishing a connection with the other person. And so we lose out on the opportunity to empathise with them. In these social distancing times, it is very important to be present with the other. This is true whether you are on a virtual call with a colleague or a face-to-face meeting with your child.
We want to be present with the people in our lives, especially our friends, family and the people we care about. But the mind is so anxious and caught with so many things that we fail to be present with them.
When you are in conversation, you need to focus on the other person’s words, feelings and expressions. Your mind will try to take you away – it is natural. But when you notice it, gently bring it back to the person in front of you. In this way, you will listen better, share your experiences better and also connect better with everyone around you.
Bell The Mind 