Five Keys to Mindful Communication

Good communication is essential to any healthy relationship whether it's between spouses family members friends or co-workers and mindfulness--the practice of nonjudgmental awareness--can help us communicate more effectively and meaningfully with others in our personal and professional lives. Here Susan Chapman a psychotherapist and long-time Buddhist practitioner explains how the practice of mindfulness awareness can change the way we speak and listen enhance our relationships and help us achieve our goals. <p/>Chapman highlights five key elements of mindful communication--silence mirroring encouraging discerning and responding--that make it possible for us to listen more deeply to others and to develop greater clarity and confidence about how to respond. Other topics include <p/> - identifying your communication patterns and habits; <br> - uncovering the hidden fears that often sabotage communication; <br> - staying open in the midst of difficult conversations so that we can respond wisely and skillfully; <br> - and learning how mindful communication can help us to become more truthful compassionate and flexible in our relationships.