Communicating Mindfully describes a method for improving communication skills that combines the study of communication theory with training in mindfulness. This powerful combination reveals how people often interpret the events of their lives unconsciously and communicate habitually and unproductively as a result. By learning to recognize external and internal influences present in our everyday experiences, we can increase our ability to communicate effectively in each unique situation we encounter and modify unproductive communication habits.
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements xvii
- Preface xvii
- Introduction 1
- How to Access the Meditation Instructions Corresponding With Chapters 1–6 3
- Personal Experience: How I Discovered This Approach 4
- Effects on My Teaching 6
- Using Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Application Journals 8
- Challenges and Misconceptions 9
- Chapter 1: Getting Started 12
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- Distractions 14
- Individual Perception Prisms 16
- How the Mindful Communication Process Works 19
- Cultivating a Sense of Mindfulness With Meditation and Taking Care of Yourself Along the Way 22
- Challenges and Misconceptions 24
- Meditation Discussion 26
- Neuroscience Note 27
- Application Journal #1: Your First Impressions and Observations 28
- Application Journal #1: Sample #1 29
- Application Journal #1: Sample #2 31
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- Chapter 2: Conversation and Listening Skills 34
- Conversation and Listening Skills 36
- Conversation Skills 36
- Listening Skills 36
- Emotional Intelligence 41
- Challenges and Misconceptions 47
- Meditation Discussion 48
- Neuroscience Note 52
- Application Journal #2: Conversation and Listening Skills 55
- Application Journal #2: Sample #1 56
- Application Journal #2: Sample #2 57
- Conversation and Listening Skills 36
- Chapter 3: Becoming Better Listeners 60
- Patience and Pauses 66
- Impatience, Anger, and Compassion 68
- Challenges and Misconceptions 70
- Meditation Discussion 71
- Application Journal #3: Listening Skills 74
- Common Listening Behaviors That Can Be Problematic 75
- Application Journal #3: Sample #1 76
- Application Journal #3: Sample #2 77
- Chapter 4: Nonverbal Behavior and Physical Sensations 78
- Challenges and Misconceptions 88
- Meditation Discussion 89
- Application Journal #4: Nonverbals 90
- Application Journal #4: Sample #1 92
- Application Journal #4: Sample #2 94
- Chapter 5: Self-Talk 98
- Challenges and Misconceptions 107
- Meditation Discussion 108
- Application Journal #5: Self-Talk 111
- Interpersonal Communication Habits 112
- Application Journal #5: Sample #1 114
- Application Journal #5: Sample #2 115
- Chapter 6: Self-Concept 118
- Meditation Discussion 126
- Application Journal #6: Self-Concept 128
- Application Journal #6: Sample #1 129
- Application Journal #6: Sample #2 130
- Meditation Discussion 126
- Chapter 7: Assertive Behavior 132
- Examples: Checking Your Perception 137
- Stating Desired Outcomes 137
- Sharing Your Opinion 137
- Application Journal #7: Assertive Behavior 140
- Application Journal #7: Sample #1 141
- Application Journal #7: Sample #2 143
- Chapter 8: An End and a New Beginning 146
- Final Paper and/or Final Speech Assignment 153
- Final Paper 154
- Appendices 157
- References 165
- Resources 167
- Glossary 169
- Index 171
- About the Author 175