News / Blog
December is here, and the holiday season is upon us. As we wrap up the year and prepare for the holidays, our busy lives become even busier. It’s easy to become consumed by the demands of work, shopping, socializing, friends, and family.
Sometimes we forget to give the special people around us the time and attention they deserve. We become distracted by what we’re doing. We’re thinking about what needs to be done next, so we don’t listen well or give adequate thought to what we say. Stress levels rise, and feelings are hurt. The Joy of the Season is compromised.
But by being more aware of our interactions with others — by practicing mindful communication — these situations can be reduced or eliminated.
Mindful communication is the practice of focusing awareness on the present moment, through mindful listening and mindful speaking. It involves calmly acknowledging and accepting the feelings, thoughts, and sensations of the speaker and yourself without judgment.
Instead of reacting emotionally in conversation, mindful communication guides us to respond with thought and compassion. As a result, communication exchanges improve and stress is reduced.
As we interact with others this holiday season, both at work and at home, let’s become aware of our communication.
Are we present, giving our full attention? Maybe we can stop composing that email or wrapping that present for a few minutes and offer our undivided attention to the person speaking.
You may be in a hurry with a lot to do, but if the other person feels truly heard, they will consider it a gift!
You may be anxious to get back to what you were doing, but don’t let your impatience show.
It is my intention this holiday to reclaim the Joy of the Season in my communication with others. How about you?