Each day we are faced with a challenge, and it’s a mighty one: How do we choose to spend the 24 hours we are given?  Some of the tasks and responsibilities we take on seem to give us a positive energy that leaves us feeling energized, while also providing a positive benefit to others, while other tasks seem to suck the positive energy right out of us and make it difficult to positively impact those around us.

There are times when we find that burst of energy and we just go and go and go, only to crash at the end of the day and see it carry over into the next day, when we have a hard time finding the motivation to do anything at all, or so it seems.  Some of us feel absolutely guilty if we don’t keep going and doing something.  Others may find that they are restless and simply can’t sit still.  Still others may find it hard to be motivated at all on a regular basis, or have a hard time balancing their energy because the energetic demands of their jobs or other aspects of their lives are so great.

The focus of this article is not to decide which activities constitute the most ideal use of our time or energy, but rather to investigate whether our use of energy is serving us at the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.  And here’s the challenge — we want to make sure that our energy expenditure serves us at all of those levels, and in a relatively balanced manner as well.

But first, before we can decide whether we are using our energy in a way that benefits us and those around us, we need to look at the different aspects of energy and types of energy expenditure.  First, we have the energy expenditure that is furthest from our ideal physical, emotional, and spiritual states.  When we are utilizing this type of energy, we find ourselves to be lazy, sluggish, unmotivated, and in a mental “fog.”  In the Hindu tradition, this energy is referred to as “tamas,” meaning “darkness.”

Then, we have the second type of energy, which is on the other end of the “spectrum,” so to speak.  When we are utilizing this type of energy, we are constantly active, but active for the sake of being active.  We are actually active to the point of being restless, and to stay still and quiet is actually very uncomfortable and unsettling.  In the Hindu tradition, this energy is called “rajas,” and it means “passion.”

The first and second types of energy expenditure I have described are both what we call “outwardly focused” energy types.  This means that this type of energy is “engrossed in the senses.”  These energy types are involved with sensory stimulation and feedback, and without this feedback, we would find ourselves blind, uncomfortable, and uncertain.

Finally, there is a third type of energy expenditure, which sits in the “middle” of the other two energy types.  This energy type serves as the “middle way,” which provides the fulcrum, or balance, between the other two.  This energy is inwardly focused, meaning that it is not so much concerned with sensory feedback or stimulation; rather, it is more based on connecting with your own values and ideals first, and letting those values and ideals establish how you act and what you do.  In the Hindu tradition, this energy is known as “sattwa,” meaning “goodness.”

Naturally, one can find themselves in between these different types of energy.  For example, one can be somewhere between “rajas” and “sattwa,” which would then be manifested as “rajo-sattwa” energy.  This energy is very active, but in an “upward” way, utilized in serving and helping others, and making a positive impact on the world.

We can also be between “rajas” and “tamas,” where our energy is used to seek revenge of those who have “done us wrong,” or to take advantage of others, or even to have fun at the expense of other people.  This type of energy actually withdraws the positive energy from us as well as others, and it is not beneficial, nor does it serve our physical, emotional, or spiritual wellness much at all.

So how can we know whether we are directing our energy in a way that positively benefits our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being?  Here are three signs that your energy is being directed positively and beneficially:

1. You have a clear understanding of your values and ideals, and you actively work most days to act in alignment with those values to help other people.

Do you have a passion?  Do you have a gift?  Do you find ways to share your passion and gifts with other people, so that their lives benefit from your service to them?  If you’re finding ways to share your passion and gifts with others, it’s a positive sign that you’re using your energy in a beneficial way.

2. You make sure you serve your own needs first, and then, only after serving your own needs, you seek to serve the needs of others.

This one is tricky, because sometimes we think that if we think of others and put their needs before our own that we will make others happy.  However, nobody feels the way they do because of what we do for them.  People are responsible for their own feelings.  If we are seeking to satisfy others before ourselves, we are increasingly dependent on the positive feedback from other people through their expression of satisfaction and gratitude.  Then, if we don’t get it, we find ourselves hurt, angry, and upset.  But we did it to ourselves.  If we make sure our needs are met first, inwardly, we don’t need to rely on outside feedback to give us positive feelings.  After all, our positive feelings can only come from us, and not from the outside.

3. You find comfort in silence and reflective practices.

If you find pleasure in solitude and silence, it’s a positive sign that you don’t need to be busy for the sake of being busy.  It’s also a very positive sign that you are not engrossed in the senses, and relying on sensory stimulation to give you pleasure.  People who can relish silence and use reflective practices such as meditation or mindfulness to connect with their true inner self are much more balanced, poised, self-assured, at peace, and focused than those who can’t seem to sit still, or believe that they “need” to keep going and going and going.  It’s the ability to go inside, and not rely on the outside, that provides us with physical, emotional, and spiritual balance.

What did you discover about yourself?  In what areas are you already balanced, and in what areas can you improve?

When we can direct our energy in an active, purposeful, and beneficial way that serves not only us but others as well, we will find that balance that can be difficult to get.

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/131257392@N07/16477108466

When I mention the word “meditation,” what comes to mind for you?  For some, the idea of meditating is uncomfortable, because to be honest, it’s not a familiar concept.  Some may conjure up images of a buddhist monk with a shaved head in deep meditation, and think that they are not able to do what they do, so they don’t even try.

For some, meditation is not well described, so they don’t know how to do it.  Some wonder if they are just sitting there, letting whatever comes to mind come to mind, while others wonder if it’s about thinking about nothing, and if something comes to mind,  pushing it out of the mind and going back to that blank slate.  Some people just “don’t get it,” so therefore they don’t even try it, or if they do try it, they don’t “feel” any differently, so they stop.

Still, for others, while they hear that meditation is beneficial, they really don’t understand what the real benefits are to meditation, or if they’ve tried it, they haven’t experienced any real benefits from their attempts.

The truth is that meditation is beneficial to you, but it takes some time for the benefits to appear.  Think of it this way — if you were to fill a bathtub with water, and then place a drop of red food coloring into that tub of water, would the water in the tub turn red (or even pink)?  The answer is no, of course not.

However, if you continue to add those drops, drop after drop, of red food coloring, eventually the color of the water will change.  This is akin to meditation, where day after day, time after time, eventually the benefits begin to arise and come into realization.  Meditation is a practice, and when you begin, some days are better than others, but as you persist in your practice, you become more focused and consistent, and the benefits become more numerous.  Meditation is also very personal and experiential, so it is difficult to predict or describe what meditation does from one person to another.

But, in case you are looking for more immediate benefits of meditation, I can share with you three things that you can expect to have happen rather quickly when you adopt the practice of meditation:

You benefit from silence

Silence is a gift of which we often deprive ourselves.  Silence is not something to be uncomfortable with or fear.  Rather, silence provides us with a break from the onslaught of the environment on our senses.  If you feel uncomfortable with silence, that may be an indication that you are using sound or other stimuli as a distraction and occupation of the mind.  The unfortunate side effect is that you become more reliant on your emotional state to be influenced by external sense pleasures, rather than having the opportunity to go within and discover what is affecting your emotional state from an internal perspective.

You become connected

When you meditate, it is not a passive process.  What I mean by that is that you aren’t to be just sitting there, letting whatever comes to mind come to mind.  Meditation is a very active and focused activity.  When you sit comfortably, you close your eyes and focus on the area between your two eyebrows.  In this state, your attention becomes focused on how you are connected with all of creation.  Some people call it the universe; some people call it God.  Whatever you call it, meditation is your opportunity to focus on how you are one with creation, and creation is one with you.  You are a wave on the ocean, and the ocean is one with you.  When you can focus on this perspective — that in which you demonstrate and affirm your connection with all of creation, your egoic perspective begins to erode, and you benefit from a sense of interconnectedness and love for all things.

You realize how insignificant, yet important you are

When you meditate, you realize that in your connection with all things in the universe that you are merely a speck amongst the universe.  You are a flash; a flicker; a small happening within all that has happened and will happen in the life of the universe.  You realize your insignificance.  You come to understand that what is important to you may not be all that important to the trees or the grass or the sky or planets.  Yet, at the same time, you feel that interconnection with the universe.  You realize how unique and special you are, and you realize the true power and potential you have as a product of the universe.  You possess all creational power within you, so in essence, your potential and resources are unlimited.  While you feel so insignificant in some ways, you realize how significant and powerful you really are in other ways.

Whether it’s five minutes or 2 hours, any sort of meditative practice you can integrate into your life will greatly enhance it in time.  Remember that meditation is not a quick fix or the source of instant gratification.  Just like when you adopt a new way of eating, the changes do not happen in one day.  However, day after day, with consistent application and practice, eventually the results will become noticeable not only to you, but to those around you, and those results will be very positive for you and those around you as well.

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aigle_dore/6225530793

I really enjoying learning about the customs and traditions of the Native Americans.  As long as I can remember, the history and culture of these great people has fascinated me.  A few months ago I happened upon a website, which shared what they called the “Native American Code of Ethics.”  After reading through this code, I thought it was absolutely beautiful, and I wanted to share it with you, so that you can learn of it, be blessed to have come across, it and benefit from it as I have.

I can’t help but think that if we all lived up to this code of ethics this world would be a better place, and we would have much more enjoyable lives.

Apparently there are many “codes” out there.  If you do a simple search of “Native American Code of Ethics” you’ll find different varieties of codes of ethics, but they are in many ways very similar to each other.  This particular code that I will share with you comes from the website nativevillage.org, and they are sharing the code that originally appeared in a publication called the “Inner-Tribal Times” in October of 1994.

How well do you measure up to this “Code of Ethics?”

1. Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. The Great Spirit will listen, if you only speak.

2. Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance.

3. Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.

4. Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed and treat them with respect and honor.

5. Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community, the wilderness or from a culture. It was not earned nor given. It is not yours.

6. Respect all things that are placed upon this earth – whether it be people or plant.

7. Honor other people’s thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression.

8. Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the universe will multiply when it returns to you.

9. All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven.

10. Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice optimism.

11. Nature is not FOR us, it is a PART of us. They are part of your worldly family.

12. Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with wisdom and life’s lessons. When they are grown, give them space to grow.

13. Avoid hurting the hearts of others. The poison of your pain will return to you.

14. Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of one’s will within this universe.

15. Keep yourself balanced. Your Mental self, Spiritual self, Emotional self, and Physical self – all need to be strong, pure and healthy. Work out the body to strengthen the mind. Grow rich in spirit to cure emotional ails.

16. Make conscious decisions as to who you will be and how you will react. Be responsible for your own actions.

17. Respect the privacy and personal space of others. Do not touch the personal property of others – especially sacred and religious objects. This is forbidden.

18. Be true to yourself first. You cannot nurture and help others if you cannot nurture and help yourself first.

19. Respect others religious beliefs. Do not force your belief on others.

20. Share your good fortune with others. Participate in charity.

I especially enjoyed numbers three, twelve, and fifteen.  There are also some on this list that are a struggle for me to live up to.

How about you?  Are there any that resonate with you?  How about those which are challenges?  If you’d like to share, please leave your comments below!

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/red11group/4758464068

It’s hard enough to have a conversation with another person and try to get them to understand exactly what you’re saying, but what can complicate matters further is when you are unknowingly injecting components that can actually cause a defensive reaction in another person.

Before we get to the major “reveal” of this article, however, I’d like to take some time to talk about the “two-headed monster” which frequently rears its “ugly heads,” so to speak, in many of our conversations with other people.  They slip into dialogue so easily that we don’t even know they’re there, but they can derail many a conversation and keep people stuck in conflict for so long that people can get to the point where they know there’s a conflict, but have no idea what began it all in the first place.

The two “heads” of the monster are “interpretations” and “diagnoses” of other people’s behaviors.  These are evaluative statements that are commonly rooted in speculation and conjecture, with very little, if any factual basis to them at all.  With the use of either of these “inflammatory agents,” you’re bound to not only offend others, but to perpetuate the cycle of conflict (or plant the seeds of such if you’re just beginning).

What do these “interpretations” and “diagnoses” sound like?  Here are some examples:

“He’s just trying to get out of doing work.”

“He’s just trying to cover his rear so he doesn’t get into trouble.”

“She likes to ‘butter up’ to people to get ‘on their good side,’ so that she can ‘use’ them later.”

“She has other people do ‘her dirty work.”

“He doesn’t like to give up control.”

“He’s just being defiant.”

What’s in common about all of these examples above?  For starters, they certainly don’t do anything to build a person up or speak positively about them.  There isn’t a lot of factual information dispensed either, is there?  Many of these statements are difficult, if not impossible to quantify or qualify.  For example, what exactly is “having someone do another’s dirty work?”  How do you define that exactly?

When we start to define (exactly) what something like “having someone do another’s dirty work” is, we’ll find that we can actually start to pick apart what the person is actually doing and state it in definable and understandable ways.  For example, we could say that “having someone do another’s dirty work” is to make an observation of something that one does not like, to communicate that to another person, and then to suggest the other person go to an authority figure to express displeasure over this, while at the same time the one who originally did not like it does not participate in talking to the authority figure about it.

It becomes clear that the use of interpretations and diagnoses function initially as conversational “short cuts,” allowing us to encapsulate what a person is doing without going into a long-winded description of what that person is doing.  It really takes a much longer time to define exactly what “having someone do another’s dirty work” is.

However, interpretations and diagnoses can also function as a vehicle for us apply moralistic judgments on the behavior of others; we use them to imply that the person is doing something “wrong.”  Try having a conversation with someone who starts out with the words, “you’re wrong,” and tell me how well things work out for you!  More often than not, the use of interpretations and diagnoses are utilized to speak of other people negatively, rather than positively.  A moralistic image of what is “right” or “just,” and what is “wrong” or “indefensible” is formed, and we let other people know how we feel about it through these interpretations or diagnoses.

Which brings me now to the one thing that common mistake that people make that leads to defensive reactions in others.  Not only do people use interpretations and diagnoses, they use them when speaking directly to the other person, through the use of two powerful (and very damaging) words:

“I think…”

It’s not necessarily those two words that lead to a majority of the problems we face, but rather the word or words that usually follow them.  They’re usually followed with “you” or “that you,” and then those words are usually followed with the diagnosis or interpretation.  It can play out like this:

“I think that you‘re just trying to get out of having to work on this project.”

“I think you‘re being unreasonable about all of this.”

“I think that you like to hear yourself talk.”

If you’ve ever tried saying something remotely similar to the statements above, you know all too well that the end result is usually an argument or ensuing conflict.  Whenever we tell someone what we think they’re doing, all we’re doing is speculating, interpreting, and diagnosing.  Even if our speculation turns out to be accurate, the use of interpretations and diagnoses are not tools that help us break down barriers and connect better with other people.  Instead, they show others how we are judging them and their actions, and how we believe that what they are doing is “wrong.”  If you’re looking for the quickest way to upset another person, just tell them how you’re right and they’re wrong.

So how can we overcome this?  The logical start is to stop judging what other people as “right” or “wrong.”  Let go of evaluating others.  Observe things as they are, for what they are.  Whether you agree with what they’re doing or not, your energy spent on being upset about how “wrong” the other person is rarely worth anything.  If what another person does bothers you, you’re far better off sharing how you feel about the situation (sad, frustrated, angry), tie it to what they did (in definable terms), and make a request of them to consider doing things differently.  If you come from the heart, and have a true, genuine desire to connect and seek the other person’s help, you will find that the conversation will be phenomenal, and will lead to a positive exchange and interaction that will leave you both better for having had it.

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/93277085@N08/9277532430

As I shared last year in my final blog post of the year, “Everything has it’s season,” and the end of the year for me is the time of reflection and appreciation for the great things that have happened over the past year.  Last year I recommended one simple practice that you could do to “wow” yourself and really give you some perspective on how wonderful the past year has been.

This year was different for me than other years past.  I spent a great deal of time reflecting and contemplating.  I really took the time to do a personal inventory and try to really discover what was important to me (and what wasn’t really that important), as well as reflecting on who I am, what I believe in, and what I “stand for.”  It was through that process of reflection that I realized myself that as a “personal development” personality on the web and on this planet, I was giving advice more than helping others find the answers they were searching for within themselves.

So, in the spirit of self-reflection and self-discovery, I am sharing with you today ten questions that, in my opinion, you can answer to help you determine where you are now and where you’d like to “go” in the upcoming year.  I suggest taking the time to reflect on these questions in silent contemplation, and find the answers that come to you.

Here are the ten questions I recommend you answer before the new year:

• What am I most grateful for right now?
• What are the things that bring me my greatest joy in life?
• What was the most pleasantly surprising thing that occurred this past year?
• What were some of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had this past year?
• What is something that I’ve done or focused on this year that I want to carry forward into the new year?
• What is my plan for making sure I carry this area of focus or activity forward this coming year?
• What is something that I’d like to stop doing this coming year?
• What is my plan for making sure I stop doing this in the coming year?
• What am I going to focus on this coming year to make my life more wonderful?
• What is my plan for making sure that my life is more wonderful this coming year?

Remember, it works well to take your time and really reflect on your answers to these questions.  This is not a “quick” activity that you do once and then forget it.  These questions are meant to help you realize what is important to you, what areas of joy you have in your life, what you want to do that serves you, and what you want to eliminate that does not.

If you have any questions or reflections in regard to answering these questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know.  I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for a great year, and I look forward to spending next year with you when the time comes.  Happy holidays, and enjoy a wonderful new year.

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pagedooley/4176075327

No doubt you’ve been told somewhere, sometime in your life to “be happy,” or to “just be positive,” or to “be” something as long as it’s not negative or undesirable.

Given that we’ve all had that experience (some much more so than others), let me ask you this:

How exactly do you “be” happy?

Ever think about that?

How can you “be” a state of emotion?  How can you “be” a state of being?

If you’ve got it figured out, and I am missing something, please let me know, because I keep coming at this from many different angles, and I struggle to understand.

Because, for me, to “be” something means that I have to first quantify what it is that’s alive in me.  What does “happy” look like for me?  Is is something I “am?”  Because if happiness was “what” I was, then I could see how it would be easy to “be” something that I “am.”

But it doesn’t work that way for me.  An emotion is a reflection or a signal to me that I am satisfying a need that I have or an indication that I am “doing” something that is in alignment with my values.  When I experience a positive emotion I know that I am getting what I need and living my values.  When I experience a negative emotion, I know that I’m not getting something, or I am misaligned in comparison to my core values.

So perhaps what we could work on is “doing” something that we know will generate a positive emotion, instead of trying to “be” happy or cheerful or whatever.

Because, after all, what I do to generate positive emotions in me may generate the exact opposite type of emotion in you.

So, while some of you may still be told to get busy “being” something, maybe we can master our interpretive skills and hear them say something different.

Maybe when someone says “be positive,” they’re really saying, “I am anxious when I see your arms crossed and unsmiling face because I have a need for cooperation and harmony.  Would you please tell me what’s going on and what you’re thinking?”

Perhaps that’s it.  Perhaps the other person is in pain, and their instructions to “be” something is actually a request from them, asking you to alleviate the pain.

It’s possible.  Well, at least that’s my best explanation for making sense out of why we are being told to “be” something, as if asking someone to “be” something is an all-inclusive, universally (and easily) defined demand that anyone and everyone can (and should) do.

So, while others may continue to focus on alleviating their pain by telling us what to “be,” I’m going to focus on improving my listening skills, and try to figure out exactly what is causing their pain, and work on actually “doing” something that will generate more preferred emotions.  It sure beats trying to figure out how to “be” something.

The next time someone tells you to “just be positive,” perhaps you can give to them through your listening, and help them alleviate their pain.  After all, if they want you to “be positive,” it’s probably a great clue as to what they really want, but are not getting.  See?  It’s not that hard to become a sharper listener after all.  They’re practically handing it to you.

Let’s “be” better listeners.  No — scratch that. (Did you catch it?)  Let’s “listen to hear other people’s pain” and help them experience life in a more wonderful way.  Let’s all be wonderful, okay? (I did it again!)  Let’s all do things that help make this a more wonderful world.  Okay, enough said.  I’m done.

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/krayker/4312985916

When we want to acknowledge the good deeds or the good works of another individual, for the most part we come up woefully short on doing it in a way that effectively builds relationships. While we do we let the person know that we appreciate their efforts and what they did for us, we do it in a way that does not leave clear feedback as far as exactly what the person did and how that directly affected us, thus missing out on the opportunity for true and deep connection.

Typically, acknowledgement or compliment comes in the form of something like this:

“Mary, you did a great job on that presentation. Things went really well and I appreciate all your help in putting this together. Thank you so much.”

So what does Mary get out of this compliment? The meaningful information she could pull from that compliment was that you thought she did a great job on her presentation and that you appreciate her help. But, what exactly did Mary do? And why did you appreciate it?  What did her presentation do for you? More importantly, what can she continue to do in the future, specifically, in order to arrived at the same place of satisfaction next time?

So let’s start by dissecting how we communicate with other people in a way that clearly shares how we are feeling and what’s alive in us. When there is a desire to share this information we connect at a much deeper level with others.  In order to hold a conversation where we are sharing as much information as possible, we need to start by sharing our feelings related to our needs or values.

Once we communicate our feelings and how they are related to our needs and values then we can move to the action which describes clearly either what we would like to take place or what did take place that led to the feelings.

So, if you’re following along, the parts of meaningful connecting conversations are as follows:

1. Feeling
2. Need or value
3. Action or behavior

As we work to formulate our feedback we need to make sure that we include each of these three items.

So, if we wish to acknowledge a job well done, here’s how it might sound if we include all three parts of the formula above:

“Mary, I wanted to thank you for your presentation. When you listed all of the available options to us, I found it very helpful as I greatly value honesty. When I saw that you were being honest with all of us, and presenting all of the available options, I felt satisfied and pleased. Thank you.”

As you can see in the example above the  feelings of satisfaction and pleasure were shared, along with the value of honesty. Also notice how both the feelings and values where directly related to the action and behavior exhibited by Mary. As you can also see above, the components of ineffective communication do not necessarily have to be in sequential order. Many times, when providing feedback, the first thing you will mention is the action or the behavior, as that is a natural starting point.

What do you think the impact of this type of feedback sharing is on Mary, now that you’ve shared your feelings and values as they relate to her including all of the available options?

You will find that this type of feedback is especially helpful to the person who is receiving it, because when you share how you feel, and how your feelings are tied to your needs or values, and how both are tied to their actions or behaviors,  you are giving them the gift of receiving. They are receiving from you what you are giving to them, which is the sharing of your feelings.

When we can communicate in a way where there is the free sharing of feelings related to needs related to actions and behaviors, we form a very natural and powerful connection with other people. When we can act like this, we find more similarities with each other than differences. When we can act like this with other people, we gain a level of comfort and trust and understanding. And, when we can practice the sharing of feelings and needs and the actions and behavior as related to them in low-risk and positive environment, it provides us with a safe environment that is free of negativity judgement and hostility.

It’s very helpful to practice the sharing of  feelings related to needs related to the actions and behaviors of others in a  non threatening environment, because it allows us to not only forge meaningful connections at the level of the heart with those that we interact with on a regular basis when there’s not much at stake.  These interactions also build levels of trust between ourselves and others, so that when we have to have those more difficult conversations we feel comfortable doing it because of those connections we’ve built along the way.

Keep in mind that this type of interaction does not only have to take place with people who we interact with professionally. We can teach this to our children, so that they can share their appreciation for the people they interact with on a regular basis. We can also use it in our everyday interactions with those that we interact with at home or in other places. And, home is usually a place where we can safely practice these skills, so that when we move to an environment that is not necessarily right in the middle of our comfort zone we still have the confidence and the practice to be able to use this strategy.

So my question to you is this: What opportunities do you see that exist for you to share your appreciation with others? How can you put into practice this quick and effective strategy to communicate very clearly what your feelings are, what your needs are, and the behaviors or actions that contribute to such? And, when can you start putting this strategy into place?

I hope you can find great use for this strategy to enhance your everyday communication and to build  stronger, more heart-centered connections  with those around us.

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/seyyed_mostafa_zamani/4130893030