The Art of Communicating

Incorporate compassionate communication practices

Instructions

Install a mindfulness bell app on your computer.
Choose a mindfulness app like "Mindfulness Bell" and set it to chime every 15 minutes. This serves as a reminder to pause your work, take a deep breath, and briefly refocus your awareness on your body and surroundings. After installing, experiment with the frequency of the chimes to find what best helps you remain centered without disrupting your productivity.
Designate time for mindful tea drinking.
Schedule a daily 10-minute break dedicated solely to drinking tea. During this time, focus on the experience: observe the steam, feel the warmth of the cup, taste each sip, and notice the sensations in your body. Use this time to fully engage with the present moment. Then, reflect on how this period affects your calmness and mental clarity.
Converse with your inner child.
Set aside a regular 5 to 10 minutes each day to mentally converse with your inner child. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and imagine speaking to your younger self. Offer words of comfort and reassurance like, "I’m here for you," or "I understand what you went through." This can be a powerful way to heal old emotional wounds and cultivate self-compassion. Consider journaling any insights or emotions that arise from these sessions.
Write a healing letter to someone.
Write a letter to someone you have unresolved issues with. Start by expressing your own feelings and experiences, then extend an olive branch by acknowledging the other person's feelings and inviting open communication. You don’t need to send this letter; the act of writing can itself be therapeutic. After writing, reflect on any emotional shifts you feel. If appropriate, you can choose a suitable time to share this letter or its sentiments in person.
Prepare a peace treaty for personal relationships.
Create a "peace treaty" template that you can use in personal relationships. The treaty should include commitments like taking time to cool down before discussing heated topics and agreeing to talk honestly and respectfully. Store copies of this treaty in accessible places (e.g., on your phone, pinned on the fridge) and introduce it to your household or friends to ensure everyone knows how to use it during conflicts.
Regularly practice 'Beginning Anew' in relationships.
Implement a weekly 15-minute session called "Beginning Anew" with your family or close friends. During this time, each person shares positive qualities they appreciate in others, expresses any regrets or apologies for past actions, and discusses any feelings of hurt. This practice encourages ongoing communication and the clearing of any emotional buildup, which can prevent resentment.
Use the 'cake in the refrigerator' technique to diffuse tensions.
Introduce a non-verbal cue, like saying "There's a cake in the refrigerator," when conversations start to get tense. This phrase acts as a pre-agreed signal to take a break, allowing everyone involved a moment to breathe and regain composure before continuing the discussion. Follow up the break by gathering together to share something simple like tea or a snack, using the opportunity to approach the conversation with a renewed perspective.
Engage in hugging meditation to deepen connections.
Propose a hugging meditation practice with close ones where you hug for the duration of three deep breaths. Before the hug, both people agree to be fully present, breathing in to acknowledge the moment, and breathing out to cherish the connection. This can be particularly healing and is a powerful way to express non-verbal support and affection.