The Art of Communication
Part of growing, maturing, and awakening as conscious human beings is learning to communicate with greater clarity, compassion, and awareness — and to truly listen.
Non Violent Communication and Art of Attentive Listening *
Recently, I have spoken with several people about personal accountability — a practice that, many years ago, brought a depth of conscious clarity into my life and profoundly changed the way I communicate.
With a sincere willingness to understand the workings of my own mind and improve my ability to communicate, I began asking myself some very simple questions: Do I say what I mean? Do I mean what I say? Do I actually do what I say I am going to do? Or am I sometimes speaking unconsciously simply to feel liked, accepted, or validated?
Through deep self-inquiry, inner exploration, and contemplative meditation, another realization became clear: during many conversations, I was not genuinely listening. My mind was far more interested in preparing what it wanted to say next than in truly hearing, understanding, and connecting with the person in front of me.
Becoming Aware
However, even though most of us intellectually understand that being a good listener improves communication and strengthens our relationships with others, we often remain caught in reactive and compulsive mind chatter instead of truly listening or observing. What also became illuminated through what I call Sacred Processes, such as meditation, was just how harsh and even violent my inner dialogue had become toward myself — the constant programming of not being good enough, not doing it well enough, and not being a good enough person, no matter what I did, said, believed, identified with, or accomplished.
I further discovered that this automatic noise of the mind was not staying inside. It was being projected onto others through criticism, accusation, blame, defensiveness, and judgment. Only as that awareness began to deepen did I see how conditioned thinking and learned self-oppression were quietly sabotaging communication, relationships, and the possibility of living with greater well-being, peace, ease, and grace.
The videos below are among the most powerful and practical explorations of conscious communication and attentive listening I have encountered. Whether you already feel confident in your ability to listen, communicate, and relate — in business, personal life, or both — I encourage you to take a few moments, become fully present, and engage with them consciously.
Enjoy.
With Loving Compassion,
Peace President
A Mindful Approach to Non-violent Communication
Oren Jay Sofer has dedicated his life to enhancing conscious clarity around communication, and offers some of the most relevant and poignant guidance necessary to actualize peaceful coexistence.
Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Non-Violent Communication by Oren Jay Sofer
Be Impeccable with Your Words
This beautiful video based upon the Teachings of Don Miguel Ruiz’ book, “The Four Agreements,” is beautifully distilled to illuminate the relevance and essence of communication, self honesty, and integrity.
Be Impeccable with Your Words through the Teachings of Don Miguel Ruiz
Amazing Insights about the Art of Listening
Julian Treasure shares amazing and compassionate insights about the diminishing ability to hold attention in today’s fast paced society and over stimulating environments which is contributing to conflict and relational challenges.
Four Words You should Never Use by Julian Treasure
* Note: The individuals, organizations, and resources featured on this page are not affiliated with Peace President United. Inclusion is for educational and informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement of PPU.