Hold your breath...I'll wait.

How long was it? 30 seconds? A whole minute? You youngsters with fresh lungs...two minutes?

No matter how long you held your breath - chances are you can actively listen to another person for even less time. That's our rule of thumb for active listening skills development; a baseline, a place to begin considering this key dynamic of meaningful communications.

Out of courtesy we'd like to think we listen well. Why give ourselves the benefit of the doubt that we possess something we may not? We know how we feel when we are afforded less than complete attention and surely do not want to treat another person similarly. That would be rude and we are not rude.

Or maybe we just haven't noticed.

Test your listening capacity. How long can you let another person speak...and really hear/process what they are saying? Watch your focus ebb and flow from their words and actions to your thoughts, comments and reactions. How long was it?

Betcha' can hold your breath longer...

Why not? For that matter - add in bumper stickers, although they are not my "go to" expression vehicle (pun intended!)

What's on your mind. That's where now begins. All this talk about "mindfulness" should probably begin with an ode to expression of what's important to me, don't you think? Acknowledging the present just may begin with a testimony of the ideals, philosophies and concepts I'm captivated with - currently. Lately. Recently.

Forms of expression. Stickers. Pins. Motifs. At Friday's they are called "bling". Display the memories and thoughts prominently (so others can see)...then see how it goes.

Catalyst. Prompt. Consideration. Perspective. A reminder of what's important to you.

Memory. Thought. Musing. Wonder. What do you think about this?

I enjoy talking about the weather. A common experience we mull as we consider what to talk of next. Noting simple expressions of what's important to you or insights into "you" or "me" are the cool breezes of interaction. Pins & stickers...opportunities for questions. What a nice invitation for a conversation.