Importance Of Listening

Several years ago, I became aware of the importance of listening and the fact that my listening could be improved.  I became aware that often I was attending to my own thoughts, judgments, criticisms and projections rather than attending to the speaker, thus reducing my ability to connect.  In order to change my tendency, first I eliminated any physical distractions like TV, telephones, food or being in a busy environment.  I made it a point to put everything down and face the person.  I then began being mindful of when my thoughts were straying and brought my focus back to the present and listening.  The process was difficult at first.  Now my focus is much better.  I still get distracted occasionally and apologize when that happens.