Opening Our ears

---

The Purple Points Protocol is designed to help us listen twice as much as we speak. It's not a simple task. We all feel strongly about our beliefs and it's easy to focus on our own message rather than listening carefully to what others are trying to communicate.  

That's why each round of the protocol begins with two listening circles before there is an opportunity for dialogue. Keeping silent while others are speaking is one of the most challenging parts of the protocol, but it's important. 

The silence lets everyone focus intently on what is being said, rather than worrying about what a good response would be. It's not a time to formulate a retort, it's a time to open our ears and truly listen with the goal of understanding.

And when we listen through the lens of "What CONNECTS us?" we can fundamentally reshape the way we see each other and ourselves. 

Two ears and one mouth.  We're built to listen, but it takes practice.

Let's give each other the gift of listening this holiday season.

The Purple Living Room Team

​