Share with Us: Compassionate Communication

I like your yoga teacher's advice Klm. I would add helpful to the list in terms of helpful to the discussion, the peson, to the relationship.

As a high school teacher, truly listening for what my students do not say is essential for me every day. I have learned, through much trial and error, not to take things personally when trying to resolve a conflict. Their tone of voice, nonverbal communication, and word choice are taught to them by others; they are not a reflection of me. They need me to listen with an open heart and respond accordingly.

I have never heard of NVC but I like the sound of it. The 'golden rule' I try and remember for successful communication is, "Communication begins when you fully understand the other person's point of view." Good communications isn't 'about' you, it should be 'about' the other person. That's the trick. Telling 'your' truth and knowing it's not necessarily 'the' truth is a great principle but there is a whole other half to the process of communication, and that's listening - utterly self-less and compassionate listening. 'Kindness' sounds so simple but it's so easily confused with egoistic urges; true kindness requires great skill - much more than just the intention.