The Art of Communicating

I have been on the "spiritual path" for about 10 years now. I have had many spiritual experiences: past lives experienced in meditation, merging with cosmic consciousness and I even watched Joel (the name given to this form at birth) die (ego death). Even with experiencing profound realizations I have had a big challenge in communication. Namely I have always wanted people to listen to what I have to say. I end up talking very fast (usually because I feel like I need to get everything out before someone interrupts me) and have always wondered why people don't really listen to me? For these communication challenges and many more are what led me to this book. I wasn't even looking for a "spiritual communication" book, but now I understand even better that communication is one way our realizations as a human being may be actualized and lived in our life. This book isn't really "spiritual" per-se, but does have fundamentals based in the Buddhist tradition.The following section blew me away with an insight I had never heard before: "We communicate to be understood and to understand others. If we're talking and no one is listening (maybe not even our own selves), we're not communicating effectively." These two sentences slapped me awake. Listening to myself while I talk? I had never heard of that concept said before. I thought talking meant I was supposed to talk..100%! This talking, without myself actually listening to the words coming out of my mouth has gotten me into quite a bit of trouble in communication. I see now that people don't listen to me very much because they are a reflection of myself! I don't even listen to my own words coming out of my mouth, why would others? I have been practicing listening to myself when I talk, it is not the most natural thing, but I am learning.Right after these two sentences were these ones that mirrored my personal challenges in communication perfectly: "We all want to be understood. When we interact with another person, particularly if we haven't practiced mindfulness of our own suffering and listened well to our own selves, we're anxious for others to understand us right away. We want to begin by expressing ourselves. But talking first like that doesn't usually work. Deep listening needs to come first. Practicing mindfulness of suffering- recognizing and embracing the suffering in oneself and in the other person- will give rise to the understanding necessary for good communication."I also have the tendency to still judge others and have known for quote some time that this has been hurting my spiritual/human progress. The author suggests we practice deep listening, where the primary goal is to help the other person suffer less. This is a very simple suggestion, though what impact would it have on your life if you actually practiced this in every conversation? So instead of trying to be "right", to sound intelligent or gain approval from others as primary motives for communication, what if we substituted our own Being instead...full of compassion? Do you think your relationships would be transformed? I know mine would and see that offering compassion is the way I can connect better with others in communication and therefore, both others and I will be happier and better off because of it.These are a few highlights that really stood out for me. I am sure you have your own challenges in communication, that's why you are reading this review. I suggest that you push that little button called "add to cart", you can thank me after you finish reading "The art of communicating." Take care and best of luck with your progress to a more authentic way of communication.

I’ve read hundreds of books in my life. As an English major in college, an English teacher for six years, and simply a person who enjoys reading, I’ve consumed a lot of literature. This is the first book I have ever read that I wanted to go on and on forever. Reading this produces the same feeling as spending time with a good friend who always believes in your capacity to be the best possible version of yourself. It provides not just warmth and comfort, but guidance for forging deeper and healthier connections with everyone around you. It feels like a meditation, inspiring you to reconnect with yourself and embrace your thoughts rather than run away from them. In just 160 pages, the book offers countless approachable concepts, and you can apply them within your first few minutes of opening it. If you care about others, whether it is all others or a select few, this book should be required reading. It will help you fall in love with yourself and feel equipped to love the world. I want to buy a copy of this for everyone I know. Whoever you are, you need this.

I recommend everyone to read this book. It’s beautifully written, you’ll definitely learn a lot from it

I am still in the process of reading but this books is just beautiful. I have always heard how important it is to communicate not just with others but with ourselves. Yet, this book has really open my eyes to comprehending that it's important to be present, aware and to truly be listening. I am trying to implement the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. I feel like I have been communicating on autopilot after I started reading. It's been an eye opener. I think of all the times my communication, not only to myself but to others could have been or felt indifferent, careless or unwise and insensitive. Some times I forget that it is not only I but we all are going through some hard times. The Art of Communicating reminds us how important it is to be conscious of the I, to attend to it, to love the I and in doing so we aid and harmonize with those around us. Its a book I want and hope I get to read many times.

Great!

Finished the book the same day I got it! Fast read! Amazing book it show so many realistic ways to look at life & I love the zen theme it’s such an amazing book 10/10!!!

This book is an absolute must for anyone who struggles with communication and/or negative thinking.

Change your perspective, and change your life. This book help me change my perspective.

Es un muy buen libro, el producto viene con una portada diferente a la que muestra la imagen pero es el mismo libro.

The teachings are highly relevant and powerful. I am intrigued to find that the Buddhist teachings from so long ago are on the same page with the latest psychological research on multiple points.For instance, the suffering of our ancestors that is passed down to us that Thich Nhat Hanh mentions in part maps to the traumatic experiences encoded by the epi-genome onto the DNA, which is one way generational trauma is passed down in families.Fascinating to learn about and grateful for our ancestors for sharing such insights with us.

I was searching for a book to improve my communication and found a book to improve my behavior.This is a book to read at least once a year, for the rest of the life.

The book imparts deep meaning of love, compassion, joy and equanimity. The teachings are explained in a way, so that they could be easily Incorporated in daily life.

Thitch Nahn Hanh es una de las personas mas fuertes y felices de este mundo, no hay más que decir...