Mindful Communication type 3 - Transpersonal

Those in the therapy, coaching, counselling, mentoring, teaching and training professions as well as any occupation that involves a leadership role, including parenting, would do well to hone this type of mindful communication.

There is more to what we think (and believe) we are. We are like waves on the surface of the ocean, no two are the same, yet all come from the same source. This more intrinsic and transpersonal level of our human nature ‘speaks for itself’. Through first accessing this core part of ourselves and then allowing it to be expressed naturally, our communication becomes clear and congruent, we speak with confidence and relate to others with compassion.

Transpersonal means extending or going beyond the personal or individual psyche and worldview that is usually limited by one’s ego. Identifying with this broader aspect of our nature allows us to acknowledge and value the vastness of our own authenticity as well as that of all others.

Communication on this level can take the form of a communion that involves ‘tuning in’, making sense of, and utilising the awareness that arises from the subtle realms of our consciousness in order to express our Authentic Self. In so doing, we not only enable ourselves to speak from a space of congruence and clarity, we also facilitate such a possibility for those with whom we are in communication/communion with. This process is based on a specific set of principles that promote transpersonal perspectives, which in turn sharpens one’s intuition and ability to hear, trust and articulate their authentic inner voice (as opposed to the ego’s self talk).

This type of communication requires a high degree of mindfulness, which can be achieved through long term meditation or becoming adept at establishing and maintaining open awareness. In the peripheral awareness mode of perception we are able to identify all present experiences within our field of awareness, as opposed to these being experienced outside of or separate from us. This cultivates a deep sense of interconnection with those we interact with, which in turn cultivates compassion and rapport. This skill also enables us to experience a calm and centred state, whereby we are in touch with our own feelings while being able to empathize with others and remain reasonably objective at the same time. These are important criteria in mindful communication.

It is implied in the work of Hanson & Mendius (2009) and Overdurf (2013) that open awareness enables one to comprehend the more subtle realms of consciousness, where the boundaries between subject and object seem to dissolve and where a sense of unity or oneness arises. Peripheral awareness may therefore serve as a bridge between the ego domain and transpersonal domain, which suggests that it bears scope for transformation.

Through establishing an open, receptive and calm state of mind and body, open awareness, once integrated as an automatic response in interactions with others as well as in challenging situations, one can expect to experience a new quality of life, or as suggested by Walsh and Vaughan (1980), a raised perception of reality. This is the transpersonal type of mindful communication.

Mindful Communication type 1 – Intrapersonal (interacting with self)

Mindful Communication type 2 – Interpersonal (interacting with others)

Here is an audio-programme integrating mindful communication with practical applications in various contexts.

The key factor in the transpersonal type of mindful communication is peripheral awareness. Here is a video where I teach this skill.

References:

Hanson, R., & Mendius, R. (2009). Buddha’s brain: The practical neuroscience of happiness, love, and wisdom. New Harbinger Publications.

Overdurf, J. Personal communication, June 20, 2013. http://www.johnoverdurf.com

Walsh, R and Vaughan, F. (1980). Journal of Humanistic Psychology 20, 5-31.