Mindfulness and Communication: A Powerful Combination

By Nicole Marino, AMFT

What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is a technique in which one focuses their full attention only on the present moment, experiencing thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgement. When we communicate with others, often our minds wonder to other things going on such as what we want to say next, what we want to do later that day, or what we want to eat for dinner. Mindfulness keeps us in the present moment and fully engaged in a conversation, while allowing thoughts and feelings to pass through. Without being mindful, we often are not fully responding or communicating in a thoughtful way. This can often lead to arguments or disagreements with a partner for example, if they are feeling unheard or misunderstood. Being mindful allows the other person to feel listened to, understood, prioritized, and overall valued. Mindfulness also can strengthen a relationship and bring people closer together when both individuals can put their devices down, focus on what is happening right in front of them, and fully connect.

What we all say is important, and we want to feel that the person we say those things to feels the way we do. We want to be shown that we matter, and our opinions, thoughts, and feelings also matter. We can prove that importance by exhibiting curiosity and asking questions as a result of being completely present and focused on what the other person is saying. If you notice that staying in the present moment in conversations or in general is often difficult, and that your mind strays away from the present moment, then consider practicing meditation or yoga. Both are great “exercises” to learn and adopt better mindfulness-based skills. Allow yourself the opportunity to see the powerful combination of mindfulness and communication in your everyday conversations and relationships.