The Wisdom of Listening [Paperback]

Mark Brady (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2003

The benefits of practicing true listening are very real. Refining listening skills allows an understanding not only of just what to say but also when not to say anything at all. People with good listening skills become more open, present, and responsive, and gain an internal a sense of peace. The resulting effects on romantic, family, and professional relationships are undeniable. In The Wisdom of Listening, award-winning author, teacher, and trainer Dr. Mark Brady and contributors that include Ram Dass and A.H. Almaas, instruct readers on how to develop the "listening warrior" within. Inspiring and easy to follow, the lessons here can transform the reader's interactions with others, whether in a large meeting or in a face-to-face encounter. Listening is almost a lost art: some may have forgotten how to do it; some may have never quite learned. The Wisdom of Listening gives readers the skills to overcome the Western culture's tendency towards distraction and reaction, and to be more fully in the world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Brady, Ph.D. has taught graduate courses in deep listening for the last dozen years. He has written three books, numerous articles for journals and national magazines, and has also won the Jack London Prize for fiction. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications (June 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0861713559
• ISBN-13: 978-0861713554
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars hit the jack-pot, November 11, 2003

By 

Peter Pearson (Menlo Park, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wisdom of Listening (Paperback)

Listening well is hard work. There is no immediate reward for doing it. In fact, the problem of listening well is that we will hear things we don't want to hear. Which is why we don't listen well in the first place. It may even be harder than dieting and exercising.

When we think of listening well, we think of listening to others. But how easy is it to apply those great listening skills to ourselves? I don't know about you, but when I embark on a challenging path of personal growth, I like to be inspired, enlightened, and informed. If I'm really lucky, I'll get all three in the same book. I hit the jack-pot with the Wisdom of Listening.

Because I have been specializing in couples therapy for 20 years, I think I know quite a bit about listening and communication. And then I got a little humbled when reading Mark Brady's thought-provoking book. Now I listen a little better and almost automatically begin to ask better questions. With better questions comes the potential for a better life. Not bad for an investment that costs less than two tickets to a bad movie.

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Collection!, October 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wisdom of Listening (Paperback)

Each essay in this new book takes a new look at skillful Listening.

Perhaps you want to improve your ability to listen to yourself, others, or the earth? This collection reminds us to bring our awareness into the present moment and to attend to our own internal experiences. It's wonderful compliment to deepening one's meditation practice. Or as a guide to being in the natural world in with a new way of perceiving.

Brady has pulled together essays from some incredible writers, teachers, and thinkers. But their words are not hollow or dry--they vibrate with practical advice and inspiration to deepen our Listening abilities. It's listening wisdom that asks us to not only use our ears, but all of our senses.

Listening doesn't come naturally for some of us...we actually need to learn to do it. When my husband gave me the book, I was defensive at first. "What, you don't think I listen well?" But it's opened up my eyes (and ears! and heart!) and a lot of dialogue between us.

I've recommended the book at work, and plan on giving some for the holidays to family! It can only help us all to tune in more, feel less isolated, and enrich our relationships.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Brady has given us a winner!, October 23, 2003

By 

Nancy Pinkerton (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wisdom of Listening (Paperback)

Wisdom of Listening is a real jewel of a book! Presenting proven techniques used by practitioners in the fields of psychology, clergy, and healthcare, this book offers many gold nuggets of advice the reader can use for better communication with others. I would recommend reading only one chapter at a time, then reflecting on its contents for a few days before reading more. Don't rush this book - the contents are too rich to race through.

We all have ears and they allow us to hear. This book goes far beyond the practical mechanisms of hearing and helps the reader to recognize the huge difference between 'hearing' and 'listening.' It guides the reader through various goals and results of listening well. The contributing authors describe techniques with simplicity and clarity. Those who begin to practice the skills outlined in this book can look forward to improved, more rewarding, and more meaningful communication with everyone in their lives. Thank you, Dr. Brady!