Facilitated by Jennifer Sharp

The longing to be seen, heard, and valued in our interactions with one another is a fundamental part of our nature as human beings. Yet, we encounter blocks to connecting with one another. Some blocks to connecting with others include time, stress, energy, misunderstandings, faulty assumptions, and simply not knowing how to approach difficult topics. Through facilitated dialogue, we will consider how listening without striving to get somewhere is a transformative and powerful contemplative practice. In this class, we will acquaint ourselves with the practice of deep listening and engage in practices to refine our listening skills. We will also explore verbal and non-verbal ways we can cultivate a sense of presence that serves as a conduit for deeper connections with others.

Jennifer Sharp is a teacher, writer, and workshop leader. As an Associate Professor of Counseling at Northern Kentucky University she has designed and launched mindfulness classes, and regularly infuses compassion, calmness, and contemplation into the university culture. For leisure, Jennifer enjoys hiking with Sugar Sharp (a quirky Beagle), dancing, writing, and venturing into natural places where cell phones don’t work.