Conscious communication - Part 1

The simplest definition of conscious communication is in the header of this article, the ability to clearly and compassionately talk to ourselves and others. I really support the theory that communication is 7% words, 38% tonality and 55% body language. If you look at this formula in a simplistic way you can actually strip it down to the basic definition: mind, sprit (vibration) and body working together. So conscious communication needs the participation of our whole being, not just the mind, or just the heart, etc, you get the idea.

I have been meaning to write this series for such a long time, but I kept delaying it because I thought I am not qualified enough to teach others about this topic. But in the last 2 years, since Corona started and most communication is online, I have seen so many un-conscious examples that I really feel like I need to speak up (write up). The trigger that made me decide to write this article was something outdoor, really in open space, with lots of people passing by, one of the best examples of UNconscious communication.

Let me ask you a few questions: What is wrong with this message? What is it trying to achieve? How does it help the person on the outside? Does it really help find the entrance? Is it supportive or helpful for the client of this business? What emotion does it trigger within a person sitting outside and trying to find the entrance: happiness, gratitude, sense of direction or frustration, anger, helplessness?

If I am to check in awareness the message I also noticed that it is written in yellow, the colour of the Manipura Chakra, also known as the Solar Plexus Chakra, that is the center of anger. There is a logic behind the usage of yellow, the person who designed this message was angry because the "outsiders" kept on trying to get in via that door, especially when you look at the architecture of the building.

So what other healthier options could have been used that can be written in white for those people who are obviously trying to get in?

• This is an EXIT. Entrance this -> way
• EXIT only. Entrance is to the left
• The entrance is around the corner
• You can meet us if you go this way ->
• We are welcoming you to the other door ->
• Keep right to reach the entrance

When we are little the majority of us hear: "don't touch that", "don't forget to do your homework", "no, you cannot have that", etc instead of "please avoid touching that", "remember to do your homework", "I heard your request, but right now I cannot provide for that because ...". Majority of us have been educated to communicate in a non supportive way. It is nobody's fault. Those were the times, our parents and teachers did the best they could with the emotional resources that they had. I have spent my last 6 years identifying my mistakes and trying to correct them, but I still am very far from an ideal communication. Nevertheless I am happy with the progress as long I am living in awareness of my faults and I am working on getting better.

To be continued with Part 2: Conscious communication & Agile