Mindfulness While Speaking With Others

    SF
    Sean FargoPublished October 31, 2019 · Updated April 8, 2024 · 1 min read

    Guided Script

    Mindfulness While Speaking with Others

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    Printable Worksheet

    Mindfulness While Speaking with Others

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    Bringing mindful presence to mindfulness while speaking with others

    Words shape the inner weather of every relationship we tend to. Working through “Mindfulness While Speaking with Others” is an invitation to slow the gap between what arises in you and what you offer to another — and to notice the quality of attention you bring when you speak or listen.

    How mindfulness can help

    Mindfulness softens the reactive edge of speech. By pausing to feel the body, the breath, and the underlying intention before words leave your mouth, you create space for clarity, kindness, and accuracy. Listening, too, becomes more spacious — less rehearsing a reply, more receiving the person in front of you.

    Gentle steps to try

    1. Pause at the threshold. Before responding, take one full breath. Let the in-breath arrive completely before any words form.
    2. Name the intention. Silently ask yourself, “What do I most want this exchange to nurture?” Let that answer guide your tone.
    3. Speak the truth, gently. Choose words that are honest, useful, and kind. If only two of the three are present, consider waiting.
    4. Listen as the receiver. When the other person speaks, soften your gaze and feel your feet. Notice the urge to interrupt, and let it pass.

    There is no perfect conversation — only this one, met with as much presence as you can offer. Be gentle with the moments you wish you had handled differently; they are also part of the practice.

    Here’s a Sample of the “Mindfulness While Speaking With Others” Guided Meditation Script:

    Humans are social creatures.Rarely does a day go by where you don’t interact with anyone—maybe you have a family, live with a roommate,or engage with people during work hours.When you talk,you can bring mindfulness to what you are saying,how it may impact others,and what your intentions are.This exercise takes just a few minutes,and you can utilize it anytime.Do this once or twice a day while on the phone,talking with a loved one, or during any social Interaction.

    Before speaking, bring mindfulness to your intentions.Ask yourself why you are going to say whatever you plan on saying.Examine the possibility of saying it with even more kindness or patience.Consider whether your words are timely and useful in this moment.We often gossip, interrupt, or talk simply to avoid uncomfortable silences.Think about whether or not this is the appropriate time to talk and what purpose your words will serve.If it’s possible that your words will put somebody else down, interrupt a person currently speaking, or ring as untrue, try reconsidering your choice of words.

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