Workshop #7 The Discipline of Listening to Understand

Many conversations become unproductive because we listen to respond, to be right, to defend, rather than to understand. Instead of becoming curious about another person's experience, we may be busy preparing our defense, searching for flaws in their argument, or waiting for our turn to speak. While this may help us feel prepared or protected, it often leaves both people feeling misunderstood, unseen, and disconnected.

This workshop explores why genuine listening can be so difficult, especially during emotionally charged conversations, and how to replace this losing strategy with mindful curiosity, empathy, and the skill of listening to understand before seeking to be understood. You'll learn how deep listening reduces defensiveness, strengthens trust, and creates the conditions for meaningful dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and lasting connection.

Substantial time will be dedicated to Q&A for deeper exploration as a group about how this losing strategy shows up in our lives and how to…