Jumpline magazine April 2024 - Flipbook - Page 13
Alex Trinchet
MDFR Chaplaincy
How many times do we
listen to respond but not
really understand?”
Chaplain’s Corner
13
A skill that we tend to think we know. Or do we? How many times
do we listen to respond, but not really understand? I’ve been
guilty of that. How about listening to “one up?” Someone tells a
story, and you listen and think “I have a better or bigger story.”
Been guilty of that too. LOL. How about listening when you are
“tirhunangry.” Ok, I invented that word. LOL. It’s when you are
tired, hungry or angry. How are your listening skills when you are
tirhunangry? I know my listening skills are not on point during
those times. The best thing to do is get rest, get food or cool
down from being upset before you get into a conversation.
Listening affects every relationship we have, work, parenting, relational, friendship.
Pretty much whenever an interaction occurs between multiple people. Technology has
helped us to communicate faster, but it often hinders us from communicating effectively.
Many times, things are misunderstood in a text or a post. A simple conversation can
help in many ways.
Conversations are typically 2-way in nature. If there are red 昀氀ags like abusive language,
dishonesty, manipulation, disrespect, or criticism (to name a few), then a conversation
with someone trusted should be in order. Then the communication changes from red
昀氀ags to alternatives in actions. Another red 昀氀ag and a term of communication that has
come in vogue is “gaslighting.” Gaslighting behavior appears when an individual denies
the truth, lies about the truth and makes the other individual seem as they are crazy or
overacting. This is another red 昀氀ag to be careful with.
So how does effective communication appear?
The book of Proverbs states: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those
who love it will eat its fruit” and “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but
one who has insight draws them out.” What we say has a major impact on our lives and
the lives of others. Also, what is in a person’s heart may be deep. How can we draw that
out? Well, by active listening, giving the person space to communicate and, the most
important thing of all, giving ourselves and our time to just plainly be present and listen.
The eight active listening tips below are for teachers toward students. It is relevant no
matter what context a person may 昀椀nd themselves in.
Be Well and Safe, My Friends.
Be Safe in Body, Sound of Mind and Strengthen in Spirit.
Your Chaplain Alex T.
April 2024 | JUMPLINE Magazine