You're Talking too Much 🤐

See what might happen this week if you talk less and listen more—not only with those you coach or support but also with other people in your life. 

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This week is Bright Morning’s “Rejuvenation Week” (during three different weeks every year, we shut down and do whatever we need to re-energize ourselves). This week I’m reconnecting with some loved ones and I plan to talk less and listen more. But to listen more, sometimes you need to ask a good question, so I’m preparing. 

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Here are some of the questions I might ask to elicit meaningful connection: 

• What have you learned about yourself in the last few months? 
• Tell me about some bright spots in your life recently.
• What’s been sad or painful recently?  
• What have you been learning about your deepest longings and desires? 
• How do you feel you’ve grown in the last couple of years? 
• When have you felt most like yourself recently, or most powerful and confident? 
• When have you felt disconnected from your power recently? 
• What have you learned about your mind, body, and emotions recently? 
• What have you learned about what brings you joy? 

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Asking a good question isn’t enough to get someone to talk a lot or to create a deep connection.

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You’ve got to be fully present and communicate your presence through your body language. You’ve got to truly want to listen and hear whatever the other person says, and you have to communicate this, as well.  

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When I’m coaching, I’m pretty good at talking less and listening more, but those skills aren’t always as strong when I’m with family (if I’m going to be honest). I’ll be spending a few days away this week with my husband, and I plan on asking him these questions. I’m also going to try out a couple on my son. Of course, you can also use most of these questions with those you coach or support. 

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