We all know how important communication is, but despite being aware of this, good communication can be hard to come by; especially with the given challenges of being physically distanced from most people and "trapped in close quarters" with our select few.
As we find ourselves having less in-person conversations and more virtual zoom meetings, facetimes and distant mask wearing interaction, strengthening our communication skills will both help us adapt to these changes and create a more harmonious experience at home with those in our "quarantine bubbles."
We hope you'll enjoy the articles and stories below and are able to feel the sense of freedom and satisfaction that comes with focusing on and finding effective communication.
#1 - Listen more - An integral part of good communication is good listening. Notice your listening style: Are you actually listening? Check out your body language, are you making eye-contact? Is your body posture open and welcoming or closed off? Where is your focus? Are you fully focused on the speaker or is something else drawing your attention? Would you be able to repeat or summarize what the other person is saying or are you too busy with your own thoughts?
Being a good listener not only ensures that you have a better understanding of what is being said, it helps you avoid assumptions and judgments by paying attention to what is really happening rather than your own story about it...read more
#2 - Think before you speak - This may seem like a no-brainer but often we get so caught up in the moment, the situation or the emotions that we forget this important step...read more
Every day our horses and donkeys remind us of how important it is to "Say what you mean, mean what you say, and don't say it meanly." Their ability to be clear and direct with each other creates a deep level of trust and safety in the herd. Similarly, we can create trust and connection through clear, compassionate, and straightforward relating. Our 4-leggeds expertly let us know when we are being vague, or inconsistent. They sense the incongruence and become agitated, uncooperative, scared, etc. Yet, as soon as we are able to shift and align with authenticity and clarity they reflect that shift through their desire to partner and connect with us. Check out Mark & Mary's stories to learn more.
In the Workplace
We don't always see eye to eye with the people we work with. Sometimes, it's fairly easy to find a way to move forward, but other times things can get touchy and you may find yourself a loss for what to say or how to better the situation.
If the issue is causing you emotional distress, or even mild discontent, ignoring those feelings can cause more harm than good. Read on to learn how to communicate the bad stuff in a way that will help more than hurt.
"At Stand InBalance, I learned the importance of clear intent and communicating that 'essentialness of being' as well as what can arise during the cloudy/foggy stages of life. Coming here was a creative and powerful way to start seeing my patterns. And when we see differently, we can start doing differently." ~ Jennifer (Senior Director, Sales)
"I came to Stand InBalance for more insight into myself and for tools to change self-defeating behaviors and beliefs. The workshop was insightful and life changing. I allowed myself to feel what I am feeling and learned to release tension."
~ Cindy (Program Coordinator)
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