Monday Meditations: Real Communication

This is part of Cocoon's Monday Meditation series.

Just because our world is dominated today by instantaneous communication via texting, skyping, and email, doesn't mean the quality of our communication is better. In fact, our mind always seems to be several steps ahead of the moment we are presently in, thereby blocking our ability to truly and consistently communicate on a meaningful level. It is becoming easier and easier to opt for electronic communication rather than taking the time for an actual verbal exchange that requires giving and receiving, speaking and listening, connecting and empathizing.

But sometimes verbal conversations or discussions can end in miscommunica-
tion, misunderstanding, and misinterpretation. It's a delicate balance.

This meditation helps us reconnect to face to face human interaction and the beauty of sharing and communicating with one another in a positive and nonjudgmental way.

Photo from http://argylelife.onsugar.com

Let's Meditate! 

Preparation - Think of someone who you struggle to communicate effectively with. Perhaps it is someone at work, a parent or child, or your significant other. It may be an isolated event, or a recurring problem. 

1. Sit on a cushion or chair in your meditation space. Make sure you have privacy. Begin by watching your breath and calming your body and mind. 

2. Bring to mind this particular person and imagine being that person. In essence, put on their shoes and see what the situation might look like from their perspective. Acknowledge the frustration, fear, or anger they may be experiencing and why they may be feeling that. 

3. Imagine how you could behave or respond so that their negative feelings might dissolve and be replaced by positive feelings. Feel patience in yourself when envisioning this situation. Feel acceptance and desire for an outcome to the exchange that is favorable to both of you.

4. When you are ready, come back to your breath and see if you feel a little more hopeful and positive toward this person.

This is also a great meditation to practice outside of a private space, amidst your routine life! Start with people you don't know or have very brief interaction with - the cashier at the grocery store or the marketer on the telephone. Then see if you can bring some of these techniques into your more challenging situations.

Namaste.