'Compassionate listening' is a Buddhist tenet: What it is and why it matters

Compassionate listening is the practice of shifting our focus from talking to listening. In so doing, we overcome egocentricity. (Shutterstock)

Although the importance of communication in fostering better relationships and solving problems is well-recognized, much focus has been placed on “talking it out” — while the role of listening tends to be overlooked.

“Compassionate listening” is critical to interpersonal and political communication, because without it, more talking can exacerbate the existing divides and misunderstandings.