Quips and Tips for Spiritual Seekers

Communication is essential in relationships. Learning to communicate effectively from the heart and soul deepens the connection between people. Most people know how to share their thoughts and express their feelings, but there is much more to communication than a mind body connection. Communicating from the intellect offers a rational and logical perspective, but on its own it can lead to judgmental opinions and right and wrong arguments. Sharing feelings brings intimacy, but it can also lead to emotional reactions and outbursts that are hurtful if not balanced with a heart and soul connection.

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there.” Rumi

I’ve offered my tips below on how to speak from the heart and connect to the soul, but for information on communication techniques to turn conflict into cooperation, click on the book image, Why Don’t We Listen Better? Communicating & Connecting in Relationships.

Speaking from the Heart

When we speak from the heart we go beyond mind body communication. We transcend the intellect’s need to be rational and right, and we go deeper than the body’s emotional reactions. Speaking from the heart is a wonderful way to communicate effectively when discussions are heated or charged with strong emotions.

Being connected with our heart connects us with love and compassion so we are less likely to say something hurtful or invalidating. We speak honestly from a place of peace instead of conflict. Here are a 3 ways to practice speaking from the heart.

1. As you communicate with others during the day – focus on your heart as you listen and speak, and notice how this affects the conversation.

2. Before entering a difficult discussion – close your eyes, take a few relaxing breaths, place your hand over your heart and ask your heart what it wants regarding the upcoming conversation. Keep that in mind during the dialogue.

3. When in the midst of a challenging conversation –  place your hand over your heart as you speak. This will support you to stay connected to peace and love. If it feels awkward to do that, mentally connect with your heart as you speak and listen.

Soul to Soul Connection

Within every human being is a soul shining with light, wanting to be seen. Unfortunately, our intellect, roles and personality quirks often mask our true spirit. We let image and appearance come before truth and authenticity. Fortunately, we have the ability to see past the mind and body and into the heart and soul of another. All that is required is to look through the eyes of our own soul.

When we communicate from soul to soul we see the bigger picture; we don’t get caught in minor disputes. We understand there is so much more going than what appears to be with major disputes. We know deep inside that every relationship offers opportunities for love, growth, and healing. We don’t blame or feel victimized; we own our part and feel empowered to resolve issues. Try the following 3 exercises as a way to communicate from soul to soul.

1. Close your eyes and step back from the intellect or analyzer by bringing your awareness into the center of your head – a few inches back from your forehead. From this peaceful, centered space say hello to yourself as spirit. Hear your thoughts, feel your body’s sensations and emotions, but know you are bigger than these – you are an eternal spirit with a mind and body. Imagine someone you care about standing a few feet in front of you. See their physical appearance and acknowledge their personality. Then look past those aspects to the soul within. Say hello to their soul. Notice the deeper connection between you both.

2. Do the previous exercise with a person you dislike or someone you are in conflict with. Look past surface appearances and say hello to them on a soul level. Notice how it feels to say hello from this soul perspective.

3. When communications have broken down between you and another, do the previous exercise and then carry on the conversation with the person on a soul level. Say what you need to say and listen for a response. Even though it may seem like it is all in your imagination, you are communicating with them on a soul level and this can help to resolve disputes.

Practice communicating from the heart and soul with everyone you encounter. Every time you greet someone – a friend, family member, neighbor or store clerk, remember that they are a spiritual being in a human body. Say hello to their heart and soul as well as their mind and body.

Please share your heart and soul communication experiences in the comment section below.