Dmitry will lead us in discussion and some interactive exercises exploring the topics of anger and using nonviolent communication to resolve conflicts.
The Fourth of the Five Mindfulness Trainings: Loving Speech and Deep Listening
Aware
of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen
to others, I am committed to cultivating loving speech and
compassionate listening in order to relieve suffering and to promote
reconciliation and peace in myself and among other people, ethnic and
religious groups, and nations. Knowing that words can create happiness
or suffering, I am committed to speaking truthfully using words that
inspire confidence, joy, and hope. When anger is manifesting in me, I
am determined not to speak. I will practice mindful breathing and
walking in order to recognize and to look deeply into my anger. I know
that the roots of anger can be found in my wrong perceptions and lack
of understanding of the suffering in myself and in the other person. I
will speak and listen in a way that can help myself and the other
person to transform suffering and see the way out of difficult
situations. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be
certain and not to utter words that can cause division or discord. I
will practice Right Diligence to nourish my capacity for understanding,
love, joy, and inclusiveness, and gradually transform anger, violence,
and fear that lie deep in my consciousness.
practicing mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh