mindful communication

Mindful Walking in Nature

[fullwidth backgroundcolor=”” backgroundimage=”” backgroundrepeat=”no-repeat” backgroundposition=”left top” backgroundattachment=”scroll” video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” bordersize=”0px” bordercolor=”” borderstyle=”” paddingtop=”20px” paddingbottom=”20px” paddingleft=”0px” paddingright=”0px” menu_anchor=”” equal_height_columns=”no” hundred_percent=”no” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]

Mindful Walking in Nature

[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]There is a widespread misunderstanding about mindfulness that prevents people from realizing its limitless benefits. Mindfulness does not exist only in quiet, still spaces. Mindfulness surrounds us, and experiencing mindfulness in nature is particularly helpful. Attending to calm surroundings not only connects us to our environment, but to a deeper place in our own being. For those struggling to be mindful, and even for those proficient in meditation, a mindful walk through nature can ease many troubles.

What does it mean to walk mindfully?

Walking mindfully is realizing the external effect of the actual process of walking and the subsequent internal experience. To walk mindfully, the focus must be on each of your senses, rather than the end destination. With each step, you must focus on placing one foot in front of the other. You listen closely to the beat of your own heart, as well as the sounds of crunching leaves and singing birds. You gaze at all that surrounds you, paying close attention to the trees nearby and the sun in the distance. Without even realizing it, your thoughts are likely to quiet as the mental fog clears.

A mindful walk shifts your perspective.

Rather than focusing on the troubles of your current day or week, your awareness is restricted to the moment that you are in, connecting external and internal realities. However, this is not a deliberate avoidance of stress. Instead, it is a means of embracing the total experience and allowing yourself to view small problems in the larger realm of nature.

Why is it so important to walk in nature?

Although any kind of walk can be beneficial when striving to expel negative energy, it is nature itself that proffers a cleansing result. A study using portable brain technology demonstrated the differences in a walk through nature compared to a walk in an urban center. Green spaces require less of our mental attention, allowing the brain to relax, thereby reducing mental fatigue. We are often over-engaged, and a walk through nature can have a restorative effect.

What are the benefits of a mindful walk?

For those resistant to the idea of meditation, a mindful walk is a great option. Walking is an activity busy enough to motivate those who feel restless in a sitting meditation pose, but still quiet enough of an activity to allow the mind to focus. There are several benefits to a mindful walk:

Combats stress
Uplifts mood
Strengthens concentration
Increases awareness
Promotes body consciousness
Helps manage negative feelings

A mindful walk through nature encourages us to remember that we are part of something larger than ourselves, and that integrating our environment with our internal thoughts can promote connectedness throughout every aspect of our lives.

If you are struggling to connect to the present moment, a mindful walk through nature is an easy and healthy habit to develop. With practice, you’ll find that you can employ mindful walking at any point in your day, even in urban settings. Mindfulness can easily be incorporated into everything, and it will be easier to achieve awareness in life if you have practiced first in nature. The natural environment asks very little of us, and can hold our attention while also allowing for reflection.

Are you interested in learning how to integrate mindfulness into your life? Please join us on Friday, 10/27/17 from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm for a stimulating evening on the topic of How to Communicate Mindfully Around Difficult Topics. [/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

Mindful Communication for Business Leaders

[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Mindfulness is an art. Mindfulness is an orientation – a way of life – and communication is one of the primary ways we can demonstrate mindfulness.

Communication encompasses more than just the words we speak. It includes our actions, the impressions others perceive while interacting with us, the impact of our written messages, and our body language. Communication is everything that is transmitted from us to others, and it includes both those things we consciously intend to communicate and those things others hear, see, and feel from us (even things we do not intend). Mindful communication is the result of being aware of those messages we send and those that others receive, and creating an environment where open, honest communication can occur. It is pure communication that minimizes misunderstanding and maximizes understanding.

The following actions of mindful communication can help you continue to develop into a mindful communicator in all areas of your life, including your role as a business leader.

Relax

Stress inhibits good communication, and when stress is conveyed by a leader, everyone else perceives it and internalizes it, as well. Prior to any communication in any setting, take an appropriate amount of time to relax – consciously and actively. Take a deep breath through your nose; hold it for a few seconds; let it out slowly. If possible, close your eyes while you do this. If you have a few minutes, read something that will make you laugh, then refocus calmly on the upcoming discussion. How you feel will impact how others feel, so feel good before you begin to communicate.

Prepare

Know what you want to communicate (the overall message, not necessarily the exact words). With the exception of delivering speeches in front of a group, don’t rely on memorized messages; rather, plan the general flow of the conversation and how you want to manage it, but be open to changes that bring deeper, more comprehensive insight and input from others.

Smile

This is advised so often that it tends to be ignored. Even if the topic of conversation is a serious issue, a smile at the beginning of the discussion is critical, to set a tone that will encourage mindful communication. The conversation can be serious and smiles can be scarce during the discussion, but starting with a smile invites others to the conversation.

Listen First

There are rare instances when you will need to give directives right from the start, but those instances truly are rare for those who are mindful leaders. Truly imminent crises are rare; in all other cases, listen first. Introduce the topic, then solicit input.

Understand before You Respond

Listen to understand. Listen until you understand. Restate what is said. Ask for clarification, even when you think you do understand. Your primary responsibility is to understand first. Only after you understand should you seek to be understood.

Share Your Opinion Last

Form your own opinion only after you have heard from others. Give serious consideration to their input, even if you have to pause during a meeting, and reflect on their opinions for a period of time. Never share your opinion first. More than anything else, that will inhibit honest input and limit the possible insights everyone will receive.

Respect Time

Honor people’s time. Start and end meetings on time.

Remember: At the most basic level, people want to be shown they are respected, appreciated, and loved, but they also want to feel respected, appreciated, and loved. How you communicate is more important than simply what you communicate, since anyone can say anything and be completely insincere. You have to mean what you say, and you have to say it in a way that others feel what you mean.

If you are truly mindful of others, others will be more mindful of you and of themselves, and that expanding mindfulness will improve not only how people feel about each other and their jobs, but also how they perform their jobs.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

Mindful Communications in the Workplace

Mindful Communication for Business Leaders

[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]As we continue to examine mindfulness in communication, I want to keep exploring how critical mindfulness can be in your professional life. Mindful communication is important in your professional world, whether you are a boss, a client, or a janitor. Mindful communication is perhaps the most powerful influence for good within a business environment – and it is neglected more than any other aspect of successful company practices and policies. To bring mindfulness to your professional communications:

Speak Unselfishly

Talk about “we” and “us,” not “I” and “me.” People – and leaders, especially – who frame their statements in terms of themselves (“I need you to …,” “I want …,” “I think …,” “… is important to me,” “Tell me …,” etc.) have a more difficult time earning respect, and resentment is often the end result. Business success is not about any individual; it is about teamwork and mutual effort. Speaking inclusively (“We need to …,” “How can we …,” “What should our …,”) shows concern for others in a powerful way.

One critical note: Mean it. Hypocrisy is deadly. Don’t solicit input from a group (or even from one person when interacting with someone on a personal level) if you are not willing to consider and implement suggestions. That is not mindful; that is manipulative.

Don’t Ignore Written Communications

It is much easier to be misunderstood with written communication when there is no facial expression to help interpret the message. Therefore, we must be even more mindful with the things we write than any other form of professional communication. No matter how busy you are, no matter how big of a hurry you are in, stop and think before clicking send. Re-read your message and make sure it is saying what you really want it to say. And think about how the message will be received and whether or not it will be interpreted as you intended. If you cannot get your point across clearly in writing, pick up the phone or make an appointment to speak in person.

Listen More Than You Speak

The best leaders learn more than they instruct. Ask questions. When you ask a question, listen intently – to understand, not to respond. Responses will have their time and place, but full understanding is the first priority. In meetings, start by soliciting input from others before sharing your own thoughts. Use their input to consider your own assumptions and inclinations – and often, to change your mind based on what others share. If you give your thoughts first, many people simply will agree with you – and you will miss the opportunity to learn from them, implement a mutually established plan, and evaluate future leaders among those with whom you work. Ask yourself one simple question: Why am I speaking? If there is not a critical reason for you to speak, hush and listen.

The way you communicate, particularly with colleagues and employees, impacts company culture and the perception of everyone around you. How you communicate will impact your professional relationships in significant ways.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

The Art and Science of Being a Mindful Business Leader

[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Being mindful, and communicating in a mindful manner, is an art.

Artistry takes dedicated practice. It takes listening and fine-tuning. It takes trial and error. And in the end, your efforts produce works of art – beautiful, unique, individualistic, breathtaking art.

What artists create is undeniably their own, but, to be fully appreciated, art must have an audience. Art that is most powerful is impactful. People walk away from exceptional art inspired in some way. Mindful communication is no different. When done well, it inspires replication by others. The end result of true mindfulness is not confined to you; it spreads to those around you and creates a united, mindful community.

Of course, there are scientific and psychological elements of mindfulness, as well, but, at its heart, being mindful is a state of awareness and benevolent action that is based on observation, impression, instinct, and communication. It is more than just being generally aware. Being mindful is being aware of the subtleties of human sensations and interactions. Mindful communication is an integral aspect of comprehensive mindfulness – the most obvious, fundamental way you convey your awareness of and concern for others.

As a business leader, there can be many things that distract from being mindful. Sales and revenue goals, hiring and firing decisions, rules and regulations, interpersonal conflicts, training requirements: these components of business can overwhelm leaders and cause them to forget about being aware of, and serving others, as distinct individuals. Personal lives can also contribute to a loss of mindfulness.

How can you be a mindful business leader, and why is it important that you do so?

The most successful and appreciated leaders, however, are those who can manage necessary tasks without losing sight of and caring for people: themselves, their families, their colleagues, their employees, their clients, their prospects, their communities, and everyone else with whom they interact.

At the most basic level, people need to feel loved and appreciated. This is universal. If you want happy, satisfied, loyal, long-term employees, the most important thing you can do is to be mindful of them – and to make sure they know that you are.

So, how can you be mindful of the people in your company, and how can you communicate in a mindful manner with them? The following suggestions are broad, because people are different, but working within these general guidelines is a great start toward becoming a truly mindful person and communicating in a mindful manner:

Become a mindful person, not just a mindful business leader.

Mindful business leaders are mindful people. You can’t be a mindful business leader and lack mindfulness in the other areas of your life. Don’t segment or silo your work persona from your non-work personality. Be consistently mindful in all areas of your life.

Remember: People are more than their jobs.

Know your employees as people first and employees second. If you lose sight of their individual humanity, they will become numbers or cogs in a system, and they will feel that emotional disconnect when you communicate. They will know you are aware of, but not mindful of, them.

Communicate with people.

Communication is a two-way street. Mindful communication requires talking with people – not merely at them – and listening first to understand, not to respond. It is a process of soliciting input and valuing that input enough to consider it carefully and consciously. It involves getting to know how and why people think and see and feel, not just what they think.

Understand and respect differences.

Differences make up the uniquely blended colors on the canvases of our lives. It is impossible to be fully mindful of others without understanding and respecting the things that make them unique. Consciously focus on creating a diverse employee base in as many ways as possible in your location.

Remember, however, that being mindful is not a result of completing a checklist or memorizing key words or phrases. Being mindful is not so much a process of just doing as it is a process of feeling and becoming. It is an art.

Your business can be a manifestation of your vision for the world around you. You might not be able to change the entire world, but you can change your own world. You can make your own amazing art and become a Master Mindful Artist along the way.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

Mindful Communication

[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”center” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] [/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]How do we demonstrate mindful communication?

Focusing on the purpose of the moment; truly valuing others; being respectful, thoughtful, and intentional in everything you do: these are all essential components of mindfulness. But the first and most fundamental aspect of mindfulness is the way in which you communicate. Everything else revolves around communication, since it is the cornerstone of all instruction, training, collaboration, and interpersonal interaction.

Body language and non-verbal cues are an important element of communication, but the words you choose and how you speak them has an immeasurable impact on your personal and professional relationships.

The following aspects of mindful communication are a good starting point for your future efforts:

Be Humble

Accept others as equally important, regardless of what they do for a living, where they live, how they dress, or what they look like. Your words are a reflection of your thoughts, and your words betray your thoughts just as quickly and surely as your actions. Speak to others the way you would like others to speak to you if your roles were reversed, with respect and consideration, regardless of the circumstances. Even frank conversations can be handled respectfully and humbly.

Speak Clearly and Concisely

Precision, clarity, and brevity do more to help us avoid miscommunication and misunderstanding than anything else. No matter how clear and concise you believe you have been, always ask if there are any questions. If you foster a culture of openness and trust, you will be surprised to discover how often that which you believe to have been clearly communicated actually needs to be clarified.

Practice Non-verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication includes the way you use your body, eye contact, facial expressions, your energetic field (more on this in my next newsletter), and your capacity to hold space with your presence.

Be aware of the appropriateness of making gentle eye contact when you are speaking; in some cultures, it is inappropriate to make direct eye contact. Relax. Breathe and be aware of your audience.
Smile. Practice having kind eyes. Be open and listen with care. There is no logarithm for the perfect use of hand movements, so don’t obsess about finding one.
People want to communicate with others who care about them. Non-verbal communication is about demonstrating your true care and concern.

Mindfulness is an embodied way of being and living. It is a way of seeing another and allowing for the other to see you. One becomes more enlivened with mindful awareness because you focus, with attention to the other in a space of loving kindness. Your defenses are not at the forefront of your communication style. Instead, you may want to begin with an open mind and heart, to really connect with the other person.

Mindful communication requires effort and dedication. It is a skill well-worth practicing and can be highly rewarding. It is a way to exchange with another in a space of calm and connection.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]

Mindful Walking in Nature

Mindful Walking in Nature

Mindful Communication for Business Leaders

Mindful Communication for Business Leaders

Mindful Communications in the Workplace

Mindful Communication for Business Leaders

The Art and Science of Being a Mindful Business Leader

The Art and Science of Being a Mindful Business Leader

Mindful Communication

Mindful Communication

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