Time for a guided visualization exercise: How to listen to be heard. Because right now, after a week of massive layoffs globally and so much change in the world of work, a lot of teams are feeling uncertain… and unheard. This episode is a reminder that deep listening — real, intentional listening — is the foundation of trust. It’s also the quiet superpower of great leaders.
So, how does it work? Simple! Let my voice be a guide for you as you focus inward to help you tap into your inner wisdom and Intuition for answers.
Listen and participate in this guided visualization exercise: How to listen to be heard.
Before we get started, here are a few things that you’ll need to do in order to get the most out of this.
- Create a safe space - no distractions or interruptions
First off, you’ll need to create a safe space where you won’t be distracted or interrupted… and also, keep in mind that during this exercise, you’ll have your eyes closed. So yeah, probably not best to do this one while driving.
Silence your phone notifications… The world can wait for the next few minutes.
Then, get comfortable in a seated position or lying down, if that feels better. You get to decide. As with all visualization and breathing exercises we do together this year, you always get to decide what is best for you… take what you need and release the rest.
Okay, now close your eyes or avert your gaze to the ground.
- Take 3 intentional breaths together with me
Let’s take three intentional, life-affirming breaths.
- Deep breath in through the nose, expand the belly, hold at the top, and then slowly release through the mouth. (Do this three times.)
Now, let your breathing come back to a normal pace, whatever feels right for you.
- Do a body scan and feel your feet
It’s time to do a body scan… Imagine you’re slowly scanning your body from the top of your head… down past your shoulders…Through your arms… to your fingertips… All the way down your torso, hips, legs, and toes.
Notice any sensations — maybe tension, soreness, or calmness.
You don’t have to fix anything. Just notice.
Once you’re at your feet, really take notice of what it feels like to have your feet make contact with the ground. To be firmly rooted down, the safety and security of that sensation. What do your feet feel like right now?
- Time to visualize - How to listen to be heard.
I want you to imagine yourself walking down a quiet hallway. It’s warm, peaceful, filled with soft golden light. Your footsteps echo gently — steady, relaxed.
At the end of the hallway, there’s a door.
You know that on the other side sits someone who truly listens — your mentor, your inner guide, or maybe… a wiser version of yourself. Whoever comes to mind first is perfect. Trust that.
Breathe.
You walk toward the door, place your hand on the handle, and step inside.
The room is calm. Sunlight spills through a window, and there’s a quiet hum of peace. Your mentor looks up, smiles, and gestures for you to sit. You feel safe here. Seen. Grounded.
They ask softly:
“Tell me, what does listening to be heard mean to you?”
You pause and reflect.
You say, “It means listening not to defend or justify, but to understand and act.”
Your mentor nods.
You continue, “It means communicating back what we heard — saying, ‘Here’s what you said, did I get that right? Ok, here’s what we’re doing.’”
And your mentor adds gently, “When you create a feedback loop like that — where listening builds credibility — your people will begin to trust again.”
Breathe.
You pause, letting that truth sink in. You listen first… so that your organization can once again be heard by its people.
That’s what this moment in leadership requires most.
Your mentor smiles, then reaches across the table and hands you something small — a symbolic reminder: Perhaps a handwritten letter with one very important sentence written on it, just for your eyes. (What does it say?)
Or a checklist, symbolizing reflection and follow-through. (What are the first 3 steps?)
Whatever you see is perfect.
They say, “Keep this with you. It’s your reminder that real leadership begins with listening — really listening — and then taking action based on what you heard.”
You smile and thank them.
They reply, “When you listen with intention, your words — and your actions — carry weight.”
Breathe.
Let the calm fill your chest. You feel anchored, present, ready. You remember what it feels like not to be heard by others. You want to make positive change for the people around you and rebuild their trust in you. It’s time, you’re ready.
Take this last moment to say thank you with your full spirit and remember that you can revisit this gift anytime you wish. It’s yours forever and ever. You are never alone and you are always fully supported.
It’s time to gather yourself with a deep, belly-filling breath. And when you’re ready, open your eyes.
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So, how did that feel? What came up for you?
I want you to set a 7-minute timer, grab a pen and paper, and take this time to write down everything you remember from this visualization exercise.
- What wisdom was shared?
- What visual clues did you see?
- What did your higher self look like in the mirror?
- What part of this exercise is sticking MOST in your mind and in your heart, that you can’t seem to shake?
- …and what’s one thing that you can do today (with courage and simplicity) to take action on this vision, in real life?
One final whisper
“Listen to be heard” flips the usual dynamic.
When organizations listen well — intentionally, visibly, and with follow-through — they themselves become heard and trusted again by their workforce.
That’s how credibility is rebuilt.
That’s how cultures heal, especially after layoffs.
So, listen first.
Not to defend or to fix, but to understand and act.
Because when people feel heard, they re-engage.
They start to believe again.
And that’s where real culture transformation begins.
I hope this visualization sticks with you the entire week through. Do it again and again if you need clarity or fresh ideas to help your spirit feel refreshed once again… because when you tap into your deep inner knowing, you’re accessing the deep inner wisdom. That electric energy that can be found inside all of us that connects us all together. It knows. You know. We all know if we are brave and we open ourselves to it.
You can do this, I believe in you.
It’s time to SIMPLIFY.
If this thought of the day inspired you...
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As always, please reach out, especially if you’ve got specific ideas or questions that you’d like us to cover on the podcast. DM me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesimplifiers) and let’s spark a conversation.
Thank you!
Show credits: Suzen Marie, our Podcast Editor and Jeffrey Lynn, our Video Editor. Plus, Aubri Williams, Chris Justice, and George Mills, our advisory board. And I’m your host, Mary Baird. Big love to Dennis Coleman, Kristen Kurtis, plus Mark and the team at Goodboy, as well as the folks in #TeamMary. Thank you so much for listening and telling your peeps about us.
As always friends, keep things simple.
