We are living in some very interesting times in terms of how easily channels of communication can go awry. Who can we listen to or where can we go for the truth? There is a lot of noise out there and polarizing conversations going on which of course is very stressful whether we are in a work environment, a social situation or with family who don’t always agree on things.
I’m vigilant about the context of my speech to not open the door to unintended consequences that may cause a negative impact for another. I can have the best intent for humanity in my heart and still experience when my own personal bias comes up as a blind spot. Despite my best intent, there have been a few miss-spoken words that did not land well. Communication in this current world can be tricky at times as once spoken, you can’t take your words back.
Currently, I may hold my words back or take a pause to double check myself before I speak up. You may relate to this tenuous mode of communication in your circles too. Communication has become more mindful these days. That is not a bad thing, to think before one speaks…..
It feels like we are at a precipice of change and it’s hard to see which way the change will land. What is the tipping point of our diverse social culture where we can find what brings us together in unity? When will we stop calling out who is different and find the bridge that brings us together?
I recently coordinated a large group at a retreat where I could see how the individuals came together to be of service to support one another during the event. We accomplished so much as a community because our common focus invited unity.
- What is our common focus for humanity?
- What is our common focus for our workplace?
- What is our common focus for our social gatherings?
- What is our common focus for our family time?
To create unity, I steal this expression from one of my colleagues, “It takes teamwork to make the dream work.”
When I reflect on unity, I can see that it is up to each of us as individuals to choose to be part of the solution by our willingness to stay open in our channels of communication so we can keep the conversations going through an open-hearted connection by holding space for another. When we connect with another for support or to share a challenge, we naturally increase our courage and dampen our fear through the oxytocin channel of stress resilience. Our communication is a two-way channel of both speaking and listening.
We adopt the Listener-Supporter-Challenger mode of mindful listening when we listen to another with an attitude of listening to support without judgement, problem solving or fixing. Simply holding space to really hear what a person is saying, and not multi-tasking to think of our response, will bring unity in our one-on-one conversations. This is how we meet someone where they are so we can stay neutral in our listening.
Perhaps holding the intent of unity for humanity starts with each of us taking responsibility to create unity in our personal everyday conversations. Being ever so mindful for the intention of our communication with others vs. impact for how it is received.
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