Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where you’re just waiting for the other person to finish so you can jump in with your own story? Or maybe you’ve noticed that you talk more about yourself than you listen to others?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We all have a little "Me Monster" inside us, eager to share our experiences and thoughts. But today, let’s explore how we can tame that inner beast and become better listeners.

What is a "Me Monster"?

The term "Me Monster" was popularized by comedian Brian Regan, who hilariously described it as someone who always turns the conversation back to themselves. While it's natural to want to share our own stories, it’s important to strike a balance and ensure we’re also giving others the space to share theirs.

Why Listening Matters

Listening is more than just hearing words. It’s about understanding, empathizing, and connecting with the person you’re speaking to. When we truly listen, we show respect and value for the other person’s thoughts and feelings. It strengthens relationships and fosters a sense of community and mutual support.

Tips to Tame Your "Me Monster"

1. Be Mindful of Your Conversations
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
3. Practice Active Listening
4. Resist the Urge to Interrupt
5. Reflect and Respond Thoughtfully
6. Share the Spotlight

The Benefits of Being a Good Listener

When we focus on listening, we not only make others feel heard and valued, but we also learn more about them and the world around us. Good listeners often find that their relationships are deeper and more fulfilling. Plus, being a good listener can also make us more empathetic and understanding individuals.

I'm curious if this post thus far has made you more aware of your role in your conversations with others. And if it has, and if you want to be a better listener (and less of a Me Monster), the work isn't about never talking about yourself.

Taming your "Me Monster" is more about finding a balance and being mindful of how much space you’re taking up in conversations. By practicing active listening and showing genuine interest in others, we can create more meaningful and enriching interactions.

So, let’s all make a little extra effort to listen more and talk a bit less. Your friends, family, and colleagues will surely appreciate it, and you might just discover the joy of truly connecting with others.

And of course I'm going to say that Yoga can help us tame our Me Monster too. So much happens on 'the mat', which helps us become more understanding and empathetic Beings as well. Plus, we get to interact with others on the mats next to us which is a great opportunity once again to tame our 'Me Monster". 

💜

Happy listening!

namasté,

gina