DO YOU KNOW HOW
YOU COME ACROSS WHEN YOU COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS?
Say goodbye to constant arguments, and hello to meaningful conversations with your partner!
It's impossible not to communicate!
We are always communicating. Every interaction, every facial expression, every movement, tone of voice and even silence is communication.
In every communication there’s an underlying message that is being expressed, but the person expressing the message is often unaware of the message they are sending. Underlying messages are usually not obvious to the listeners either.
If the effect the message has feels like a threat, the listener will get triggered and automatically react with discomfort and become defensive.
Did you know that the way your messages are getting across has a direct effect on how people respond and react to you?
By becoming aware of the message that is really getting across when you express yourself, combined with learning to speak from the heart in a compassionate way, will radically heal and transform your communication and your relationships.
Language has a crucial role in your ability to stay compassionate. While you may not consider the way you or your partner talks to be "violent," words often lead to hurt and pain, whether for others or yourself.
Nonviolent Communication is a specific approach to communicating —both speaking and listening—that can lead you to give from the heart, connecting with yourself and with others in a way that allows your natural compassion to flourish.
The term nonviolence is used in the way Gandhi used it —to refer to our natural state of compassion when violence has subsided from the heart. This process is also known as Compassionate Communication.
11 steps to engage in nonviolent and compassionate communication with your partner
Give your full attention to the speaker, making eye contact and avoiding interruptions. Reflect back what you hear to ensure understanding.
Express Empathy:
Acknowledge the other person's feelings and validate their experiences. Show that you understand and care about their perspective.
Express your own feelings and needs without blaming or accusing. This helps to take responsibility for your emotions and avoids sounding accusatory.
Refrain from passing judgment or criticizing the other person. Instead, focus on understanding their point of view and finding common ground.
Maintain emotional composure, even in challenging situations. Take deep breaths and stay present to avoid escalating tensions.
Frame your thoughts and requests positively. Instead of saying what you don't want, express what you do want to encourage a constructive conversation.
Pay attention to body language, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues. Ensure that your nonverbal communication aligns with your verbal message.
Identify shared values or goals to establish common ground. This can create a sense of connection and facilitate a more collaborative discussion.
Approach conflicts as joint issues to be solved together. Focus on finding solutions that meet both parties' needs rather than trying to "win" an argument.
If the conversation becomes heated or unproductive, it's okay to take a break. Allow both parties some time and space to cool off before revisiting the discussion.
Compassionate Communication is an ongoing journey, but don't throw in the towel, practice makes perfect.
If you need any help with healing your relationships, don't hesitate to reach out.
Thank You For Reading
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