The Five Keys to Mindful Communication : Using Deep Listening and Mindful Speech to Strengthen Relationships, Heal Confli Cts, and Accomplish Your Goals

Presents five elements of mindful communication and listening which can improve personal and professional relationships with spouses, family members, friends, and peers. Abstract: Presents five elements of mindful communication and listening which can improve personal and professional relationships with spouses, family members, friends, and peers Good communiation is essential to any healthy relationship, whether it's between spouses, family members, friends, or co-workers. In this book Susan Chapman, a marriage and family therapist and a longtime meditation teacher, explains how mindfulness can be brought to bear in the way we speak and listen to each other so that we can strengthen our connections and better accomplish our goals. Drawing on Buddhist principles and on her training as a psychotherapist, Chapman explains how the practice of mindfulness—learning to become fully present in the moment—makes it possible for us to listen more deeply to others and to develop greater clarity and confidence about how to respond. Chapman highlights five key elements of mindful communication: silence, mirroring, encouraging, discerning, and responding, and she dedicates a chapter of the book to each. Other topics include identifying your communication patterns and habits; uncovering the hidden fears that often sabotage communication; staying open in the midst of difficult conversations so that we can respond wisely and skillfully; and learning how mindful communication can help us to become more truthful, compassionate, and flexible in our relationships. Good communication is essential to any healthy relationship, whether its between spouses, family members, friends, or co-workers, and mindfulnessthe practice of nonjudgmental awarenesscan 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. Chapman highlights five key elements of mindful communicationsilence, mirroring, encouraging, discerning, and respondingthat 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 identifying your communication patterns and habits; uncovering the hidden fears that often sabotage communication; staying open in the midst of difficult conversations so that we can respond wisely and skillfully; and learning how mindful communication can help us to become more truthful, compassionate, and flexible in our relationships. Content: Stop, go and wait -- The key to mindful presence: awake body, tender heart open mind -- The key to mindful listening: encouragement -- The key to mindful speech: gentleness -- The key to mindful relationships: unconditional friendliness -- The key to mindful responses: playfulness.