MINDFUL COMMUNICATION

Buddhist teachings about communication says before speaking we should allow our speech to go through these 3 gates-  

Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?

Mindful communication means to have honesty and kindness . We must know the value of silence as well as it is also key in effective communication. Language can be clunky and have multiple interpretations based on the disposition of the one hearing it, so often times- less is more when it comes to wanting to communicate honestly and kindly. “Words are like bullets; if they escape, you can’t catch them again.” -African Proverb

 

Mindful communication also asks the following before speaking-
Does this need to be said?
Does this need to be said right now?
Does this need to be said by me?

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Often times blurting out the truth does not help if it is not coming from the right source at the right time. So the timing and the context of what we say matters greatly in it’s impact.

 

Mindful communication is not just kind speaking but also compassionate listening. We often start rehearsing what we will say in response to someone speaking, to the point of missing out on a lot of what that person is saying. Giving someone our compassionate attention is an act of being present and showing support, so the person feels heard and understood. “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” – Simone Weil

 

The way we speak to others is often how we speak to ourselves. Being present, kind and honest in our communications, we can create healthy external and internal dialogues.

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