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How do we practice compassionate communication?

How do we practice compassionate communication?

I believe that empathy is the key to effective communication and is essential to the development of your emotional intelligence. Compassion arises from gentle acceptance focused on non-judgment and can also be seen as empathica conscious effort to alleviate the suffering of another.

One of the keys to practicing compassionate communication is recognizing the emotions of others and seeing yourself in the other. This is the power of a special type of cell in our brain that neuroscientists call “mirror neurons.”

Source: Mental Health America / Pexels

Source: Mental Health America / Pexels

Mirror neurons allow us to sense each other in our minds. Mirror networks in our brains are involved in our emotional understanding and communication with others. They shoot when we see the other is in pain. They are necessary for our experience of empathy. These networks help build our social connections. Through the brain’s network of mirror neurons, we see each other, ourselves, reflected in smiles, scowls, eye rolls—in everything we do, we mirror each other.

In my work, I’ve identified five principles of compassionate communication that can help you bring the mirror neurons in your brain online:

  1. Practice attentive listening to: Oh boy, this is a challenge for all of us! Most of the time while someone is speaking, we are preparing what we are going to say. listenand don’t plan what you say. When you listen carefully, you may be pleasantly surprised at how “in sync” you really are with others.
  2. Open your mind: Be open to “trying on” new concepts and ideas. to hug openness to thoughts and experiences that may question your usual course of action. Expanding your habits can really expand your thinking and increase your empathic abilities!
  3. Practice focusing on yourself: This doesn’t mean being selfish…recognize that your experience of the world is your own, while others may have different experiences, thoughts, feelings, backgrounds or perspectives. When you speak, recognize that you are speaking only from your perspective, experience, and behavior. Importantly, don’t speak for others or make assumptions about others’ experiences. Try phrases like “I feel..” or, “From my experience…” By acknowledging your views as personal, you make room for others to express themselves and encourage communication. You might even learn something!
  4. Be patient: Be patient when others respond and let them think about why. Allow someone to respond in their own time. Patience is crucial. No two brains are the same, and the speed at which emotional information is processed is unique to each person.
  5. Practice the 24 hour rule: If I’m having a hard time with someone and it seems like we’re at an impasse, I practice the 24 hour rule. I slept well so that time and space would offer me clarity. The next time you and someone hit a roadblock, give yourself and them 24 hours. Then come back and see if you can find a way to find peace or at least some common ground. Finally, accept that sometimes you still may not see eye to eye—and that’s okay! You can peacefully experience disagreements with space and time.

I hope these principles and practices of compassionate communication will benefit you and your loved ones.

Our task must be to break free…by widening our circle of compassion to include all living beings and all nature and its beauty.” – Albert Einstein