The Art of Communicating

The other person may say things that are full of wrong perceptions, bitterness, accusation, and blaming. If we don’t practice mindfulness, their words will set off irritation, judgment, and anger in us, and we will lose our capacity to listen compassionately.

Acknowledging our feelings without judging them or pushing them away, embracing them with mindfulness, is an act of homecoming.

Nourishing and healing communication is the food of our relationships.

Going back to listen and understand our suffering brings about the birth of compassion and love. If we take the time to listen deeply to our own suffering, we will be able to understand it. Any suffering that has not been released and reconciled will continue. Until it has been understood and transformed, we carry with us not just our own suffering

If you have enough mindfulness generated by the practice of mindful breathing and walking, you’re no longer afraid to be with yourself.

Practicing mindfulness of suffering—recognizing and embracing the suffering in oneself and in the other person—will give rise to the understanding necessary for good communication.

If we understand the nature and the roots of our suffering, the path leading to the cessation of the suffering will appear in front of us.

Freedom is the most precious thing there is. It is the foundation of happiness, and it is available to us with each conscious breath.

there’s no need to rush. We always have time for at least one in-breath and out-breath before we pick up the phone or before we press send on a text or e-mail. If we do this, there is a much greater chance that we will be putting more compassionate communication out into the world.