mindfulness

    This is something that can lead to effective communication. The book calls mindfulness the first step in listening. When we communicate with others if we are mindful our communication will be more effective than if we pre-judge the person we are talking to. This oftten occurs whenever a person stereotypes or has pre-conceptions about another person. When they communicate it is often not clear what exactly was communicated.

    Minfulness assures that our relationships will be lasting ones. No one wants to talk to anyone who is always thinking of themselves. It's difficult to put yourself in another person's shoes, but stereotyping and prejudices are just products of ignorance. The book explains that being mindful involves adopting a dual perspective. Mindfulness is something people should work at. The book also points out that being mindful is not a talent that people have, but it's a choice people can make. A person simply has to decide to be mindful.