CLEAR AND COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION

CLEAR AND COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION

There are mountains of things we might find to worry about in our day to day lives. Our jobs, income, struggling relationship and lack of effective communication with loved ones. Many of us contend with an overwhelming amount of online information that inundates us with as much as our minds will take in and perhaps more than our bodies can reasonably metabolize. Simply put, we may be living our lives from a place of fear, agitation, and worry all of which effect healthy relationship and communication.

And when we interact with those around us from that place of fear and worry the filter through which we hear ourselves and others is clouded and noisy. Our communications are laced with hidden concerns that separate us from ourselves and those with whom we are in relationship. Communication in relationship requires that we first listen to what is true within ourselves. What feelings, emotions, and thoughts are filling the landscapes of our minds and bodies and how are they impacting our ability to create healthy relationship and compassionate communication?

Before we sit down to have a conversation with a loved one, work mate, or child take an internal inventory of where we are, what we are preoccupied with, and what bit of world news or family drama sits at the base of our bellies setting the tone for how we hear and respond to ourselves and another.

Clear and effective communication will occur when we listen not only to others but to ourselves. That is the first step towards healthy, loving connection. When you come together with another to discuss and resolve conflict or disagreement take a moment to sit in silence together remember your goal is improving communication and building healthy relationship. Our goal is to find a path to clear and compassionate communication that takes into consideration the needs of both parties. Ask yourselves what feelings, thoughts, or worries unrelated to the relationship struggles might be darkening the lens through which you see the person you sit with. Bring them into the conversation. Name them and then set them aside so that you can focus on what exists between the two of you.

TRY THIS

 The next time you sit with someone you are in a trusted relationship with make time to share and listen to what is present for you and those you are engaging with. Make space for empathy and compassion to sit in the circle of your coming together.

 Take time to sit together quietly to check in with what thoughts, worries, concerns or distractions that might be there for either of you so that you understand where your respective emotional landscapes are in the moment. Taking the time to slow things down and to connect before beginning hard conversations may open doors to more compassionate and caring communication for both of you.