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LESSON 25
MINDFUL COMMUNICATION
Why is it significant to have Mindful Communication?
It is significant to have Mindful Communication because when you communicate deliberately and intentionally, you articulate what you are expressing clearly, as well as expressing outwardly with what you are feeling internally. However, when you mask, cover up, or contradict your unspoken truth, it creates anxiety and inner conflict. Communication is more than key; it’s everything
Tips/Nuggets
During this lesson we learned a lot about how our words can do harm as well as good. Therefore we must use them with care. Being mindful helps in our relationships.
So what is Mindful communication? It is a practice that involves being fully present and aware when engaging in conversations. It emphasizes active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental understanding. Here are some elements that help with mindful communication.
Nugget #1 - Be Present: Being fully present and engaged in a conversation, giving your undivided attention to who’s speaking.
Nugget #2 - Use Active Listening: Paying attention to both the words and the non-verbal cues of the person speaking, without interrupting or formulating responses prematurely.
Nugget #3 - Exercise Empathy: Trying to understand and appreciate the person talking perspective, feelings, and experiences, even if you do not agree with them. This is the most difficult thing to do. This is the third way of listening. Listening to understand instead of listening to agree, disagree or to be understood.
Nugget #4 - Use Non-prejudice/judgment: Suspending prejudice, judgment or criticism, and creating a safe and accepting space for open communication.
Nugget #5 - Be Authentic: Expressing yourself honestly and transparently, while respecting the feelings and boundaries of others. Speaking your truth in love.
Nugget #6 - Think Before You Speak: Choosing your words carefully, considering their impact on the listener, and speaking with clarity and intention.
Nugget #7 - Be Considerate: Allowing the speaker to express themselves fully, without rushing or interrupting, and being patient with the pace and flow of the conversation. The third way of listening.
As a believer, we are called to be light and salt to the Earth. How we do this is by our mindful communication and interactions with others. When we practice this behavior we can enhance understanding, foster deeper connections, and promote a more harmonious and respectful exchange of thoughts and ideas.
Going Deeper in the Word
Guarding our words through mindful communication
Proverbs 17:28
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” This verse encourages thoughtful speech and reminds us of the wisdom in choosing our words carefully.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This verse highlights the importance of speaking words that are beneficial and uplifting to others.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” This verse emphasizes the value of active listening, patience, and self-control in our interactions with others.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This verse encourages us to respond with gentleness and kindness, promoting peace and understanding rather than escalating conflicts.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” This verse encourages us to speak with grace, considering the impact of our words and responding in a way that reflects the love and compassion of Christ.
Real Talk
What are the consequences of NOT using mindful communication?
Well it has two major negative effects. 1) on you as the individual and 2) your relationships. Here are some possible outcomes when we do NOT practice mindful communication.
You will have Misunderstandings and Conflict: Lack of mindful communication can lead to misunderstandings, as important messages may be missed or misinterpreted. It can also escalate conflicts, as impulsive or hurtful words can be spoken without considering their impact. #realtalk When you make up stories or assume something, often times the truth is not revealed. It’s always best to go to the source or get clarity for understanding. This will prevent a large % of misunderstandings.
You will have a Breakdown in Relationships: Poor communication can strain relationships, erode trust, and create distance between people. It can hinder genuine connection and prevent the building of strong, healthy relationships. #realtalk When we don’t use mindful communication it may come off deceptive, distrustful and or manipulative. I grew thinking it was okay to leave out ‘details’ that I thought weren’t relevant. However, what I found was that it may not have been relevant to me, it was critical to others, so not to have to fill in the blanks by assuming or story telling.
You will have Emotional Distress: Unmindful communication can cause emotional distress for both the speaker and the listener. Insensitive or harsh words can hurt feelings, create resentment, and contribute to emotional pain. #realtalk What we say and how we say matters. Remember we want to create a win/win when we communication. The 3Cs. Communication. Cooperation. Compromise. It’s when we don’t we breath life into the 3Rs. Resentment. Resistance. Revenge.
You will have a Lack of Collaboration and Cooperation: When communication lacks mindfulness, collaboration and cooperation may suffer. People may not feel heard or valued, and their input may be disregarded. This can hinder teamwork and hinder the achievement of common goals. #realtalk By not using mindful communication you invite in deception, mistrust, and emotional distance into your relationships. This is a sure way to shut down any collaboration and cooperation.
You will have Missed Opportunities for Growth: Mindless communication can prevent meaningful exchanges of ideas and perspectives. It may hinder personal and intellectual growth, as important insights or knowledge may be overlooked or dismissed. #realtalk This is a clear way of shutting down ideas, preventing growth and thwarting any bridge towards intimacy, trust and cooperation. Truly a missed opportunity.
You will create a Damage to Self-Image: Engaging in thoughtless communication, such as speaking impulsively or without considering the consequences, can lead to regret and damage one's self-image. It can also contribute to feelings of guilt or shame. #realtalk will jeopardize your reputation of being someone of integrity, authenticity and genuine.
Resources
Take Advantage of the Resources we have put together for you!
When you utilize the workbook along with these resources, you will create lasting and undeniable results!