Mouth, Ears, and ?!?!?!

      Everyone knows that communication consists of words and ears, connected to our heart and mind, but there is a third area of commuication that we seldom consider which is just as important. May I just say that people who work with animals a lot learn this style of communication very well. As to whether they apply it to people, I can't say, but I do imagine that like all things some do and some don't!!!

     What am I referring to? Well, how do you respond if a dog's tail is wagging and he's all wiggly and excited? How do you respond when a dog's tail is held stiffly in the air and the hair on his back is raised? Or a horse's ears are forward and alert or laid flat against thier neck? Get the idea? Yes, body language is another part of communication! But, you may say, if we are talking with our mouths and listening with our ears, hearts, and minds, what other body parts are concerned?

     Well, there are several other parts included that can let you know if someone is really hearing you with their heart and mind OR if you are listening in that way. Eyes for one tell a lot. Does the person just stare at the wall or do they look you in the eye? Now, that also has a way to be used. Looking you in the eye in a glowering way definitely is not a positive link to communication any more than glancing at you nervously here or even rolling their eyes!? Yes, our hearts and minds do show through our eyes as well, with a sincere, caring look that encourages the other to speak their mind.

     Is the body of the person stiff and uptight? Is their leg swinging or wiggling nervously? Are they twiddling their thumbs or clasping their hands tightly? Are they wigghly and squirmy?  Or are they sitting calmly and focusing on you and your body language, eyes, and mouth? 

     Stop and think about it when you are talking with someone and decide if YOU are truly communicating in a positive way? You can also evaluate how others are communicating with you, BUT remember, you cannnot really change another person, only yourself. And that applies to all we do. So work on you becoming that positive communicator and, who knows, you may have a very positive influence on those you communicate with and they, too, may work on following your good, caring, positive communicating example!!!