4.9 Chapter Summary

This chapter begins with empirical research and a review of classic and modern approaches to best practices in listening to others, followed by a thematic description of best listening practices based on thirty-five TED Talks. Next, empathic listening is conceptualized, and active and affective listening research is described. In addition, insights into the neuroscience of empathy are covered. A nonviolent communication perspective on empathy is elaborated which includes an explanation of the import of feelings (the Atlas of Emotions) and needs (the Human Needs Matrix). A brief discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of digital listening is followed by a digital listening mindfulness practice. Finally, I provide an extended illustration of the background, procedures, learnings, and assessment of the listening stick practice.

This concludes the chapter on listening to others. Listening to nature is the next verse in the SONG of life that we will explore. Listening to nature is an extension of listening to “others,” where others refer to the rich diversity of nature–microorganisms, insects, reptiles, sea creatures, birds, animals, plants, rocks, and other elementals.