Respect and the Mindful Communicator
- Posted by jwp_institute
- On August 21, 2017
- 0 Comments
“To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.” –Lao Tzu
Mindful communicators are keenly aware of two things – the difference between a response and a reaction, and the leading role that respect plays within their relationships. At the Institute of Respect we help clients become successful respect driven communicators who are focused, compassionate and mindful.
Respond vs. React
These are both root words and are often used interchangeably yet they have starkly different meanings. The root of the word react denotes a forcing out of something, whereas the root of the word respond suggests an offering.
Reactions are actions based primarily on instinct and, as we all know, our first impulses aren’t always the most rational course of action for us to embark on but a response can provide you with a moment to step back from the situation and observe it before deciding how to act. Taking a breath and bringing awareness to whatever is presenting itself to us, gives rational thought and core values a moment to be considered.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a decision to pause, take a breath and reflect before moving forward. Every day we’re provided with ample opportunities to make that choice — some are easy but many are not – to watch our impulses rise to the surface and then also watch as they fade away. Like a deep slow breath expanding and contracting, or a wave gathering momentum only to spill out over a sandy beach we allow mindfulness to smooth out our reactions into responses.
Cultivating a Culture of Respect
A culture of respect begins, as with any solid framework, with a stable foundation. That foundation is based on self-respect because we must respect ourselves before it is returned to us on a consistent basis. At the Institute of Respect, one of the ways I teach people to understand respect is through their physical, emotional, and mental presence – this it is so important. Our body language, eye contact, reflective listening skills, and choice of words all impact the respect we show ourselves and also convey to others.
After laying the foundation of self-respect, the next step is to begin integrating the following components of respect into our lives.
- Use Positive Language: Use your mindfulness practice to bring your attention to your speaking patterns. Do you speak positively? Do talk down to others? Are you using truly utilizing your confidence and intelligence in conversations? If you speak positively, carry yourself confidently, and treat yourself and others with confidence and intellect, you will reap the benefits!
- Live by the Golden Rule: Treat others as you want to be treated – it’s that simple.
- Mutual Respect is Abundant Within Your Inner Circle: To ensure positivity, respect and mindfulness are in alignment with you on all levels, surround yourself with people who truly want the best for you. If during this process you discover that some people within your circle cannot live up to this ideal and are never able to return the respect you offer them, it’s time to cut your losses and move on.
- Strengthen Your Empathy: Listen deeply to others, practicing your mindfulness skills, in order to understand perceptions outside of your own awareness. Ask for feedback!
- You are Your Top Priority: When you put yourself first, it shows! Even with all of the respect in the world, confrontations and dilemmas will still arrive but the respect you give yourself will both nurture and transform you, so it is imperative that you treat yourself with kindness, respect, and care.
Incorporating mindfulness and respect into your daily life can yield tremendous results, and they often come from small decisions made on a regular basis over time. I invite you to bring these components to your life because you deserve to enjoy them!
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