~Listening~

I believe that Julian Treasure’s main message was that we aren’t listening anymore. That listening is key to our lives, success, and to live in harmony with one another. I agree with Julian and find his message to be true. We are living in a crazy world and to really understand what is going on we have to listen to be fully aware. If you’re not understanding what is being said while minimizing distractions how can we effectively communicate?

            The exercise that I used from Julian’s message is the “Mixer.” This is where Julian wants you to see how many different channels of sound one can hear no matter where they are. It forces my brain to stop thinking of all the things that I need to get done in the day. I believe it probably enforces listening to understand and hear. I did this example outside and heard dogs barking, kids laughing, cars driving by, and little critters running around the yard. I found being outside and listening to the individual noises refreshing. I think it reminded me that there is so much going on around you, that we may miss it if aren’t listening. After the exercise I find myself taking mini breaks to just listen to what’s going on around me. I think this exercise could help me to be aware and not use poor listening habits such as pseudolistening.

Self-Concept

Who Am I?

5 Things about myself that I do best:

1)      I’m independent

2)      Take care of my family

3)      Able to overcome challenges

4)      Fast learner

5)      I’m compassionate

One of the things that I think I do the best is being independent. I believe that it relates everything together. An example is that I am able to overcome challenges because I can think for myself and I don't need others to tell me what to do.

5 Things that I believe in:

1)      Being truthful

2)      Helping others

3)      Hard work

4)      Taking risks to get reward

5)      God

I am a big believer in always help others. I believe that you should help others and not expect anything in return. This is something we try to instill in our children. I believe it teaches responsibility and how to be humble. We often go back to my hometown where my Mom sells her vegetables at the local farm market. Often elderly folks will buy something and my Mom will send my children to help carry their items back to their car. A lot of times the older folks will pay my children. While I understand they are just trying to be nice, I think this is teaching the kids that there should be a reward for just helping someone out.

One other thing that I would add to my self-concept picture would be that I am a high self-monitor. (I never knew what that there was an actual name for this until reading the chapter) When people first meet me they tell me that I come off as being quiet and shy when in fact it is the opposite. It’s only in the past few years that I’ve figured out it’s because I am busy observing others, and what they are doing. I try to figure out other people, before I let other individuals figure me out.