Interpersonal Communication- A Mindful Approach to Relationships, 2020a

psychological in nature). Simply, there is not an agreed upon definition.
• Shauna Shapiro and Linda Carlson separate out mindful awareness from mindful
practice. Mindful practice involves three specific behaviors: attention (being aware
of what’s happening internally and externally moment-to-moment.), intention
(being aware of why you are doing something), and attitude (being curious, open,
and nonjudgmental).
• Ruth Baer identified the five facets of mindfulness. The five facets of mindfulness
are (1) observing (being aware of what is going on inside yourself and in the
external environment), (2) describing (being detail-focused on what is occurring
while putting it into words), (3) acting with awareness (purposefully focusing one’s
attention on the activity or interaction in which one is engaged), (4) nonjudging
of inner experience (being consciously aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and
attitudes without judging them), and (5) nonreactivity to inner experience (taking
a step back and evaluating things from a more logical, dispassionate perspective).
Mindful communication is the process of interacting with others while engaging
in mindful awareness and practice. So much of what we do when we interact with
people today centers around our ability to be mindful, in the moment with others.
As such, examining how to be more mindful in our communication with others is
essential to competent communication.
Exercises
• If you haven’t already tried mindful coloring, please take this opportunity to try
it out. Give yourself 10 to 15 minutes in a quiet space to just sit and focus on the
coloring. Try not to let yourself get disturbed by other things in your environment.
Just focus on being present with your colors and the coloring sheet.
• Want to try something a bit deeper in mindfulness? Consider starting simple
meditation. Meditating is an important facet of mindfulness, and although most
religious traditions have some form of meditation practice built into the religion,
it is not specifically religious in nature. Even atheists can meditate. Try a simple
meditation like:
Seated Breath Meditation: This technique can help you:
o Enhance mental clarity
o Be fully present in the moment
o Understand your inner emotional state
o Feel grounded
Find a quiet place. Light a candle if you wish. Sit tall in your chair, feet on
the floor, or sit comfortably on the floor. Align your spine, shoulders over
hips, as if suspended from above. Hands can be in your lap or on your
thighs, palms up, or press palms together at heart. Feel your posture as
both rooted and energetic. Eyes can be closed or softly focused. Mouth is
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Interpersonal Communication