The art of mindful communication

Mindfulness for better communication

Communication and connection are vital, and thanks to our complex brains we are usually good at this. However, communication is not always adequate. Our brain is actually not (yet) suitable for the constant flow of information to which it is exposed. Reacting instinctively is sometimes the best option, such as jumping away when a car approaches. Mindfulness does not help us then. But in other situations, such as a meeting, the same instinctive stress responses can overpower the rational brain and cause us to react fearfully or angrily. Then mindfulness comes in handy.

Communication methods for mindful communication

In The art of mindful communication Frits Koster and Jetty Heynekamp, ​​together with a selection of experts, present six communication methods in which mindfulness plays an implicit or explicit role. Among other things, Nonviolent Communication, Deep Listening and Interpersonal Mindfulness are discussed. These communication methods can be well implemented in organizations such as (mental) health care or education and are suitable for anyone who works with people or who is interested in mindful communication.

Contributing authors: Sietske de Haan, Erik van den Brink, Esther Hasselman, Edel Maex, Chantal Bergers, Rosamund Oliver, Heleen Wadman, Olaf Galisch and Kwok Wong.