As I continue on my health coaching journey, I’m realizing that wellness isn’t only about food, exercise, or lifestyle choices. Sometimes the most powerful changes come from simple practices that we often overlook. One of those practices is learning how to truly listen.
I’m now eight weeks into my health coaching training, and I’ve already learned so much. Each week, the lectures draw me in even deeper. What’s interesting is that much of what we’re being taught isn’t entirely new—it’s things we’ve all “heard” before—but the program takes them to a whole new level.
Take listening, for example.
Think about it: how do you really listen to someone? Most of us don’t think of listening as a skill, it’s just something we do. But are we truly hearing the words being spoken? Or are we busy assuming what will be said next, filtering it through what we want to hear? Maybe our minds are wandering, replaying the stresses of our day, or thinking about dinner plans. Sometimes we’re so focused on what we want to say in response that we stop paying attention altogether.
Let’s face it—we’ve all been guilty of this kind of listening.
But when we choose to listen with intention, everything changes. By opening our minds and hearts, we can actually focus on the message being shared. When we wait until the other person has finished speaking before forming our response, we can answer more thoughtfully—and more truthfully. When someone feels truly heard, they are more likely to open up and share more deeply, which strengthens our connections. Think for a moment about how powerful it feels when you are genuinely heard.
Listening isn’t just about people, either. There’s also the practice of listening to nature. Sitting outside, away from TV and background noise, just letting yourself hear the birds, the wind, or even silence, it’s grounding. For years, I couldn’t sit quietly like that. My mind would instantly jump to worries and stresses I couldn’t control. But slowly, I’m learning that there’s peace in that stillness.
And then there’s listening to our bodies. So often, we already know what we need—movement, water, certain foods—but we don’t listen. Instead, we let outside voices tell us what we should eat, drink, or do to “feel great.” True health starts with tuning in to what our own bodies are asking for.
I’m still a student of listening, but I believe I’ve made progress. I’m practicing being more present with my husband, family, friends, and coworkers. I’m also carving out moments each day to sit in quiet and simply listen.
It’s amazing how much you can learn when you finally give yourself permission to hear.
Listening—whether to others, to nature, or to our own bodies—is a skill that can transform our health and our relationships. I invite you to notice how you listen this week. What might change for you if you paused, stayed present, and gave yourself (and others) the gift of being heard?