I have gone to the battle of words time and again because words matter in so many ways. I came across the following information the provides us meaningful explanation as to why using Asian characters or ideograms can be a huge benefit in teaching martial arts simply because, unlike English, seldom does the character/ideogram mean one simple thing therefore opening the door to exploration and discovery building a strong understanding that takes us way beyond the mere physical. Enjoy…
Chinese characters are one of the oldest systems of writing in the world, dating back almost 5,000 years. There are tens of thousands of characters, each with their own special meaning.
Here is the Chinese character for listening:
Listen
The Chinese character for listening is made up of the different elements and requirements of listening. Across the top of the character there are the elements of ears (to hear) and eyes (to see).
We use our ears to listen by paying attention not just to the words spoken but also to the tone, pace and emphasis, to help understand The person’s relationship to the words. If a person starts talking more quickly, a little louder, with more emphasis, we know that they are engaged and interested in the topic.
Alternatively, if they’re more monotone, slower, with less emphasis and less modulation we know they’re less interest in the topic. Just using our hearing effectively as we listen already tells us a lot!
We use our eyes to connect with the person we are listening to and reassure them that they have our attention. We also use our eyes to check the body language of the person to gain insights into their thoughts. Are they open, animated and expensive with their body language? if so you know they’re confident and enthused about the topic. Or are they more closed, using smaller or no gestures and more rigid? If so, you know they’re less confident, less enthused.
Across the bottom of the character are the elements of the mind (to think) and the heart (to feel).
We use our mind as we’re listening to consider the words and ideas shared. We may choose to take an ‘open-minded’ approach to what we’re hearing, suspending judgement and being open to all that we hear. Or we may choose to be more critical or analytical in how we think. Whichever approach we take our thinking is an essential part of how we listen.
We use our heart to listen as we empathize with the person we’re listening to, as we experience the emotions being shared and as we care for the person and their opinions. Using our heart allows us to listen more deeply and connect with the person we’re listening to at an emotional level, not just rationally.
At the center of the character, holding this all together, is a (Focus) single stroke.
This represents the need for undivided attention and focus as we listen. We can think much quicker than a person can talk and as a result we tend to fill in the gaps, sometimes with unnecessary chatter. To listen most effectively we need to calm this chatter, and completely focus.
聽
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