The ZEN of Listening

Clear, well-written, and thoughtful, The Zen of Listening does more than just address the importance of listening; it teaches us how to listen by providing practical direction and useful suggestions. In an age of distraction, bias and rampant disrespect, mindful listening can enhance our personal and professional relationships and return us to full, active, and conscious participation in our own lives. In this wonderful book, Rebecca Shafir teaches us that mindful listening, while demonstrating respect for others, will lead to more satisfaction and fulfillment. It will help us regain control and be present in every moment. It is not just to be read once and put aside. Its lessons should be applied constantly every day – regardless of your profession or personal beliefs. Salvatore Ricciardone, Esq Executive Director of the Flaschner Judicial Institute, Boston

Clear, well-written, and thoughtful, The Zen of Listening does more than just address the importance of listening; it teaches us how to listen by providing practical direction and useful suggestions. In an age of distraction, bias and rampant disrespect, mindful listening can enhance our personal and professional relationships and return us to full, active, and conscious participation in our own lives. In this wonderful book, Rebecca Shafir teaches us that mindful listening, while demonstrating respect for others, will lead to more satisfaction and fulfillment. It will help us regain control and be present in every moment. It is not just to be read once and put aside. Its lessons should be applied constantly every day – regardless of your profession or personal beliefs. Salvatore Ricciardone, Esq Executive Director of the Flaschner Judicial Institute, Boston

Rebecca Shafir takes us to the heart of relationships and shows us the power of authentic listening – not only to others, but to our own inner self. Robert Gerzon Psychotherapist and author of Finding Serenity in the Age of Anxiety

Rebecca Shafir takes her readers by the hand, showing us how to be mindful listeners and inspiring us through the process of calming the mind, opening the heart, and hearing – often for the first time – what our family, friends, and colleagues are saying to us. She teaches us to listen to ourselves as well as to others – to our inner dreams of yearnings and to the wisdom and beauty that are always around us, when we silence the voice in the back of our head and begin to hear. If you haven’t yet read this unique and powerful book, buy it today. It is practical as well as profound; it will change your life. Barbara R. Blakeslee Trainer and consultant; President of the Blakeslee Group, Inc.

In The Zen of Listening, Rebecca Shafir explores how traditional mindfulness practices can help us to communicate with more clarity, depth, and meaning. Ultimately, we discover that mindful communication is a doorway to our own selves, and that our communication is enhanced when we become closer to our own basic nature. When we bring our full awareness and an open heart to our lives, we cannot help but communicate more genuinely. If this message were heard and practiced more widely, it would not just change our communication; it would change our culture and our way of life in critically important ways. Michael J. Baime, M.D. Director of the Penn Program for Stress Management

People’s true thoughts and emotions are found in the subtleties of their communication, and Rebecca helps us hear these whispers. Well done! William Morrisette Chief Executive Officer of Intuition, Inc.

By listening we drink in our world. To the extent that this innate ability is compromised, however, we become more or less alone, adrift in a sea of distraction and splintered attention, unable to know ourselves or others in our local or cosmic contexts. Rebecca Shafir has written a book about listening that makes clear what is at stake as our world becomes ever more cluttered. And most importantly, she shows us how to open to a quality of listening that enhances our lives and the lives of those we touch with an open and caring presence. It’s hard to imagine a greater contribution than that. Steven Keeva Author of Transforming Practices: Finding Joy and Satisfaction in the Legal Life

Written by a master of communication as well as a kind and sensitive human being, this innovative, original book will help all who read it, from business people to families and couples, from teachers who want to improve their work to spiritual leaders who seek to find the meaning in silence. It is a superb book – timely, practical, and profound! Edward Hallowell, MD Author of Driven to Distraction and Connect

Truly listen and the world will reveal itself in all its splendor. The Zen of Listening will inspire and guide you to listen in a centered and mindful way. It is one of the greatest gifts we can give others and ourselves. Thomas Crum Author of The Magic of Conflict