Hello, Dear Friends. It's good to see you again.
The world does not seem to be getting any calmer. Yet, the chaos that swirls around us, the things that seem to be falling into decay, are a rich source of nourishment and growth. Instead of giving in to panic and overwhelm, take heart. A new perspective, a new connection, a new life, a new world is waiting to be born from this compost. As the wonderful activist and poet, Valarie Kaur, reminds us,
"What if this darkness is not the darkness of the tomb, but the darkness of the womb?"
In Part 2 of our series, we took a close look at how our reactive, unconscious patterns of thought and interaction can really jack up our ability to connect with others. Those mud puddles of bias and logical fallacy deeply cloud our clarity, blocking out the light of discernment, awareness, and grace for ourselves and for others. Together, we clocked ways to identify when we are falling into these potholes, and then we played with gentle practices to steer us out of those ruts and back onto even ground. Now, in this segment, we will continue the work of un-wtf’ing ourselves and our world by better understanding one of the most powerful tools we have to cultivate clarity and connection back into our lives: Mindful Communication.
We are, after all, inherently communal creatures. Just as our body’s cells, tissues, and organs communicate constantly to keep us alive, as people, we too communicate with one another to grow, thrive, belong, and meet our purpose. Communication isn't just the exchange of information; it is the co-creation of trust, shaping of relationships, navigation of conflict and repair, and the strengthening of bonds that allow us to work together as a healthy, cohesive whole.
Communication is a sacred practice.
This week’s One Mindful Minute Practice builds off the base of Part 2’s Practicing the Pause. In this session, we will work to hone our skill of non-judgmental observation, practicing The Listening Pause to create space between our unconscious drives, judgment, and programming, and our actions.
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After trying the practice, help yourself translate it into your everyday life by journaling or discussing with a friend the following questions:
- What did I notice during the meditation?
- What sensations/sensory input was I aware of, either “real” or within my mind?
- What thoughts, stories, memories, or internal dialogue occurred?
- What stood out the most?
- How did I respond to the “fluctuations of the mind”?
- Was I calm, anxious, curious, or angry?
- Did I find myself becoming distracted or tuning out?
- Was I judging or planning my responses, trying to control the experience, or was I able to just listen and observe?
- What parallels might there be with this experience and my interactions with others in my everyday life?
- Do I ever find myself tuning out, judging, reacting, or planning my responses irl instead of simply listening?
- In those moments when I can bring non-judgmental awareness into my listening experience (in meditation and in my daily interactions with others), what shifts do I notice?
- Thinking back on a recent conversation, how might pausing to listen and receive before responding have changed things?
Finally, to bring this practice to life, make an intention or vow to use mindful listening on purpose. Write or say the following to yourself before you begin your next conversation:
“I will listen fully. I will seek to pause and repeat back what I hear first, without judgment or interpretation, before considering and offering my response.”
Notice if this simple shift changes anything for you.
The Form and Function of Communication
Communication can take on many different shapes, each molded to meet our needs and align with our values. While our particular patterns may or may not be well-suited or refined for the endeavor, here are some forms and functions of communication:
The Practical
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Requests (asking for needs to be met)
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Boundaries (defining limits and expectations)
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Providing or seeking information
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Problem-solving and decision-making
The Relational/Emotional
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Expressing feelings
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Offering support or compassion
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Sharing gratitude, joy, or celebration
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Apologizing and repairing trust
The Directive/Influential
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Feedback
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Persuasion or advocacy
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Teaching and guidance
The Deeply Human
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Storytelling
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Dialogue and exploration
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Silence and presence
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Conflict/Problem navigation
When we communicate mindfully, we intentionally anchor in presence, empathy, connection, and radical self-responsibility. In doing so, we create space for honesty without harm, clarity without judgement, and connection without the need for control. It is a practice that aligns what we say and do and how we listen with the needs we have, the values we wish to embody, and the bright, beautiful vision we hold for ourselves and the world. Rewiring ourselves to engage in this way is not easy, but it is worth every bit of effort and more.
As an additional offering, I’m adding a bonus video for you all. The Yoga of Communication teaches a clear framework for practicing mindful communication as part of your spiritual journey. In it, we explore intentions, presence, awareness, empathy, and specific tools for making requests and setting boundaries with integrity.
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In the greater body of our being, communication is the circulatory, nervous, and endocrine systems combined. When honored with intention and care, it allows us to co-create relationships, communities, and individual selves that are resilient, honest, and life-giving. We are meant to live in our abundance, friends.
Let’s learn and grow in that abundance, together.
With Love and Gratitude,
Nichole
Upcoming Offerings
Soothe your senses and nourish your spirit! Join us for an inclusive, gentle yoga class on the beautiful grounds of The Garden Club of Kent. Together, we’ll explore mindful breathwork, intuitive movement, and guided meditation to cultivate a tender connection between the inner and outer world. This practice can be done from a mat (bring your own, or borrow one of our extras) or from a chair. We welcome every body and all levels of experience. Come as you are! Breathe in the fresh air! Soak up the sunlight! Enjoy the presence of community and renew amid an abundance of beauty and life.
Contact Nichole@MindfulHeartWellness.com for details.
Trauma-Informed Care & Somatic Healing
Level 1 Certification
Empower Healing. Embody Wholeness. Support Deep Transformation.
- Are you called to hold space for others with care, compassion, and integrity?
- Are you a coach, healer, educator, wellness provider, or community leader seeking to deepen your understanding of trauma and the nervous system so you can best support your clients?
- Do you want to offer embodied, evidence-informed care that truly honors the whole person while feeling confident in your knowledge?
Join our Trauma-Informed and Somatic Healing Practitioner Certification Program! This powerful, multi-level program will provide you with the tools, skills, and presence to support healing in a regulated, educated, evidence-based, ethical, and heart-led way.
Perfect for yoga teachers, coaches, educators, space holders, service providers, and anyone who wants to integrate trauma awareness and somatic skills into their work.
Have questions? Click HERE for our informational packet
From Our Community Partner, Zenning Wellness in Kent
Let's transmute pain and suffering. Come together, breathe, and restore. In a world that feels chaotic, let’s create calm and connection—free for all.
Join Zenning x The Meditation Studio for a grounding meditation, shared healing energy, and light snacks as we nurture peace within and around us.
Snacks graciously donated & prepared by @angies_charcuterieandevents
Contact Liv@ZenningKent.com with any questions
Build your resilience and tap into your joy! Join us for:
- A Short, Intuitive Movement Practice
- Kirtan
- Potluck
Bring your voice, your instruments, your heart, and a dish to share. Contact Nichole@MindfulHeartWellness.com for details.
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