Communication
“process that involves sending and receiving information through verbal and non-verbal methods”
Communication is key to understanding and interacting with each other—whether it be verbal or non-verbal. Ever notice how in movies and TV shows, at least half of the premise of the story is based on some form of mis-communication that drives the protagonist and/or antagonist forward.
Often as I’m watching these programs, I’ll yell at the character(s) in the story because they won’t share what they know. Of course, I realize that if they did, then there’d be no point to the story and it would be over.
But that’s the movies and TV…IRL, though, open and clear communication is essential to Earthly existence. So why do we hold back? Fear…plain and simple. Fear of getting into trouble, fear of hurting someone’s feelings, fear of missing out, fear of someone taking something away from us, fear of having to do more work, fear…fear!…FEAR!
Have you ever shared something difficult with someone and then feel the immense relief and peace afterwards? Have you ever had someone share something with you and because of it you have a greater understanding of that person or their situation? Either way, it changes our perspective…mostly, if not all the time, for the better…and sometimes…eventually.
As I write this, I’m reminded of how I’ve been holding back sharing something because I don’t want to hurt a dear friend’s feelings. Then I’m reminded that I have no control over how someone reacts…it’s a situation that no matter what I say or how I say it, they could choose to be okay with it or they could be offended or respond somewhere in between. All I know is, holding back is negatively affecting how am when I’m around them.
Essentially, ”communication” all comes down to our intention…be it what we share or what we don’t share. If our intent is to hurt someone, then that’s information best not shared. If our intent, however, is coming from the heart whereby we want to help the other person or the relationship we share with them, then it serves us best to share from a place of grace and compassion.
A helpful guideline to use in determining what to communicate is the THINK acronym:
• T: Is it True?
• H: Is it Helpful?
• I: Is it Inspiring?
• N: Is it Necessary?
• K: Is it Kind?
How about you? Is communication a core value for you?
BTW…here’s what it looked like to begin with …
joyfully,
Maureen
The Mandala Lady
🏵️ creating mandalas — awakening inner harmony
About the 2024 Mandalas of the Day
Each day I will create and post a mandala inspired by one of 366 “value” words chosen randomly. The objective being to discover for myself which ones would best represent my core values…and by doing so, I hope it inspires you to determine your own.
Mandala of the Day 