Third Level Listening (Writing) is waiting for you to tune in.


I am literally sitting (or pacing about my living room) on a Saturday morning and listening to the current episode of This American Life feeling fully and enthusiastically inspired and validated that  yes, “Authentic Writing Provokes.”

Yes, I am asking you to do more than read this blog post and beyond that devote fifteen to sixty minutes of your valuable time and take in what “authentic self-expression” sounds and feels like. And yes, it is about the stories of our relationships, but isn’t all of life about relating, really?

I have admired what Ira Glass and This American Life and his staff of however how many does for years…years…years…and with today’s show it was reaffirmed AGAIN!

He is always “designing” shows that feature others telling what is and what is true and it lands. It lands in my body in places that make me tingle. Hair on the back of my neck and electricity running from head to toe. A felt sense of “this is true stuff.”

We can choose to intentionally  “place” on our living and breathing “blogs” and websites…a.k.a. our electronic brochures…our digital “canvasses” of sort…language, stories, facts and shared insights that “hopefully” inspire and call our readers into action that really feels good first for them and makes us cheer them on. We are here to serve. We have our chosen channel, our profession. We seek to attract the reader, the comment, the client, and cause a good change.

May you enjoy “listening” and find inspiration in how to apply it to how and what and why you do what you choose to pursue. ( I get that being more transparent may take time.)

First Level Listening is what we hear or read or see. The Facts.

Second Level Listening is what we initially may interpret as being the meaning of what we experience.

Third Level Listening goes beyond what is obvious and is about what is not heard, seen, said and is EQUALLY important…sometimes more so. (Or it is a presence in the background that has meaning.)

That telephone call that interrupted a dramatic moment of disagreement. Could it be a request to rest and stop the drama.

That bird song you heard. What message did it deliver?

That incoming email from a friend in need. What more is it about?

That song that pipes in at the right moment. What is is trying to tell you?

Be open. Cultivate listening in your writing at the first, second and third levels of “listening.”

I know you can. I know you can. I know you can. (Little Engine that Could makes a GREAT Cheerleader!)

Click your heels three times with me now.


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