8 Steps to More Harmonious Communication
Have you ever found yourself in interactions which just never seem to resolve themselves? I know I have. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could resolve every conflict or disagreement without it leading to resentment or further conflict? While it’s not always possible to see eye-to-eye with others, there are certain ways in which we can approach communication which will inevitably lead to clearer, more productive and more loving interaction.
1. Understand that if you get your buttons pushed, they're YOUR buttons
I’m diving straight in with the hard truth here, but the understanding of this is really the basic foundation on which good communication can build. When someone says something or does something that makes you angry, frustrated and tight, that tightness is coming from some conditioning within you. Most of the time it’s due to a self-limiting identity (“I am this/not that”) which gets challenged by the other person. Learning to look within and take responsibility for your stuff is extremely self-empowering as you realize that nobody else is to blame for your suffering. That is not to say that I’m condoning abuse – if someone is abusing you in any way, you might want to consider just getting out of that situation.
2. Everyone sees the world in their own way
Your truth and my truth may be different, but they are both equally valid. You don’t have to agree with someone else’s perspective. However, honouring it as their truth can have a massive impact on a healthy conversation. When a person feels like their truth has been heard, they feel empowered. Very often the need to prove you wrong is significantly reduced if you honour their truth. Never underestimate the power of the words, "I understand"!
3. Feeling angry or frustrated? Express that first
If you get triggered in interaction with somebody, it’s important to honour YOUR feelings and express them. However, with the understanding that the other is not to blame for how you're feeling - that it is YOUR reaction – it’s important to express it in a way that doesn’t project onto the other person. Take yourself off to a private space (even if it’s the toilet), shout, throw your arms around, beat up a pillow or cushion. Then bring yourself back to the conversation with new clarity on what your truth is.
4. Empathy vs. sympathy
Empathy is where you meet a person wherever they're at in their experience, without trying to change it - just being with them. It can be very beneficial and healing for those around you. Sympathy however can be dis-empowering because you are maintaining the illusion that they are 'less than', that they are not empowered to express and work with their own pain. It only feels good for the other because the hole they're feeling when they believe they are 'less than' is then filled.
5. It's all about the energy!
This is hugely important point to remember. The way interactions go with others is much less influenced by what you say than by the energy you bring to the interaction. Aggressive, challenging energy will likely be met by retreating or more aggression. However, compassionate yet clear energy will likely reflect the same back. Even the most aggressive conversationalist will be dis-armed if their attacks go nowhere.
6. You can't walk another's path for them
When are you more likely to learn a valuable lesson and retain it? When you are told it, or when you realize it yourself? If you see something that a person could benefit from learning from, don’t just point it out to them. Unless this person is completely dedicated to their own self-realization and actively working with their ego, they will likely react negatively. Instead, try asking open, thought provoking but non-invasive questions, such as “how does this make you/other people feel?” You can always give a perspective, as long as you make it clear that it’s your own experience.
7. Know thyself (and thy boundaries)
Often in emotional or intellectually complicated conversations it can be easy to become confused and ‘fuzzy’ about what your stance is. Suddenly you’re no longer able to express something that seemed so clear before (or even after) the interaction. The best way to remedy this is self-realization. The clearer you are about yourself, how you see things, and what pushes your buttons, the more clarity you’ll bring to the conversation. Knowing your personal boundaries is extremely important. When you feel like a boundary is being pushed, expressing in a clear and calm way will likely generate a calmer and more respectful reaction, even if the other person does not like what you say. And if you feel your mind becoming confused or fuzzy, take a deep breath and regroup before you continue.
8. Always consider compromise
There’s often no way in conflict situations to come up with a solution which suits all parties 100%. So, sometimes compromise is needed. The great thing about successful compromise is that it honours the individual truth of each person involved. Even if no-one gets exactly what they want, they will come away feeling that they’ve been heard and respected.
Need help with your own personal conflict situation? Have a look at my services for individuals and couples.
