“I love to Listen Day” Celebrates its 10th. Anniversary

May 14, 2015 – – May 16, 2015 marks the 10th international observance of I Love to Listen Day. For 10 years, people on five continents have celebrated the power of listening on May 16th.

I love to listen Day is not a day of silence, said Marva Shand McIntosh, founder of intentional listening day. She explains that it is a day to create awareness of the importance of listening, to learn about listening and to share listening as a gift to others and ourselves. It is the day to be a proactive listening. It is a day to deepen and develop this vital intelligence. The theme for 2015 I love to listen Day is “Yes Listening Matters.”

On May 16th, people are invited to join the international celebration of the joy and power of listening.

In an age of multiplying distractions, teaching our children and being good models of listening is becoming a critical skill to impart. For example our ears and eyes are engaged with our smartphones with such increasing frequency that the protocols of social graces are rapidly disappearing. Reestablishing these boundaries of civility will involve certain intentionality. Some of the components of this listening renewal involve: Placing headphones and other peripherals in an appropriate place to indicate to the person they have your full attention. Maintaining appropriate eye contact with the other person to eliminate distractions. Nodding of head to indicate understanding. Listening patiently until speaker is complete in sharing instead of interrupting. Using your eyes to ascertain body language clues that are being communicated to get a comprehensive meaning.

Asking appropriate questions for clarification.

The best news is that I love to listen Day activities are free! You can actually receive a listening coupon to share with a friend, partner, or child to practice your intention.

Go to http://ilovetolisten.com to get a listening coupon.

You can also send an email to listenMay16@gmail.com for suggested activities for your listen day celebration.

You are also invited to share your ideas or experiences that made this day of listening extra special. The hashtag #YesListeningMatters is another medium designed to allow practice and participation to be a shared experience.

The I love to Listen Day gives us an opportunity to deepen respect, enhance understanding, affirm and express value with this most important skill. We can become better spouses, parents and workers by enhancing our listening skills.

Contact

Marva Shand McIntosh
202-556 0051

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