Happy 2020! The podcast is starting off the year with a very special interview on the transformative power of mindful communication. Truly listening, understanding, and speaking to what's really needed can make the humblest of interactions feel truly alive. And my discussion with Oren Jay Sofer, the subject's most definitive voice, was bursting with such aliveness at every moment. So many insights. So much value.Oren Jay Sofer is also a very dynamic social servant. With a focus on teaching meditation and communication throughout the world, Oren is a member of the Spirit Rock Teachers Council. He is also a Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner for the healing of trauma. Oren also holds a degree in Comparative Religion from Columbia University, is the founder of Next Step Dharma and co-founder of Mindful Healthcare. He is the author of Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication, and co-author of Teaching Mindfulness to Empower Adolescents.
Recommended pairings: Intro to Non-Violent Communication (though here we get deeper into the mindfulness and Buddhist principles of this topic)
All of this is true:
As people, we have more in common than with others than aspects that separate us. If we pay attention, we can relate to anybody and understand our shared humanity.
Oren shares a three-step mindful communication technique that is an absolute top-tier service success (and basic survival!) tool: 1) Engage 2) De-escalate 3) Set limits.
Everyone has a different recipe of disempowered conditioning that needs to be both honored and overcome so that we can find agency, empowerment, aliveness and freedom in your work and whole life experience. Sounds easy, but is a tall order because of the modern hypnosis of human value = their performance and worldly success. Oren Tells us how to reclaim our innate value and dignity as people.
Someone’s criticism is a reflection of their own needs rather than an assault on your particular ego. Develop awareness of this and nothing seems as personal. (Wow, so actually take your own needs out of it? Well, kind of).
The drive to “get things done” is a powerful one in people...but can be the source of untold tension. Oren tells us how to refine our relationship to “ticking boxes” so that we can remain present while we work and find joy in even the most mundane of tasks.
A powerful non-attachment principle allows you to simultaneously have powerful emotions and needs come up and come to peace with them without having to “scratch the itch” (especially when scratching such an itch can get you into trouble.
All Roads That Lead to Oren:
HomepageUpcoming “Say What You Mean” CourseGet his book: “Say What You Mean”Instagram (@OrenJaySofer)
Go Deeper Into The Mindful Service Movement:
Explore The Book ToC w/ Live Content LinksJoin the Facebook Community & Bring Us Your Service Struggles & Insights!Follow Me on Instagram & Learn Mindful Ninja MovesSubscribe/Review on i-Tunes & I'll Mail You A Basket of KittensVisit my partner:
