listening

we listen to words with our ears.
we listen to feelings with our ??? [help! what's the english word here?]
we listen to body language with our eyes.
we listen to intention with our heart.

deborah tannen studies how we communicate. her focus is on the different communication styles of men and women. here's the one minute summary of her latest book.

this is a good way to improve your listening skills, by recognizing that what we mean is not always what we say.