The Art of Communicating: Mastering Life's Most Important Skill Through Mindfulness, Personal Growth, and Effective Interpersonal Relations with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

by Thich Nhat Hanh

program a bell of mindfulness on our computers,

Every one of us has a wounded child within who needs our care and love.

We should talk to our child several times a day for healing to take place. The little child has been left alone for a long time, so we need to begin this practice right away.

Peace Treaty

I, the one who is angry, agree to: 1. Refrain from saying or doing anything that might cause further damage or escalate the anger. 2. Not suppress my anger. 3. Practice breathing and taking refuge in the island of myself.

Apologize as soon as I realize my unskillfulness and lack of mindfulness, without making any attempt to justify myself

“beginning anew.” To begin anew is to look deeply and honestly at ourselves—our past actions, speech, and thoughts—and to create a fresh beginning within ourselves and in our relationships with others.

As in a garden, when we “water the flowers” of loving kindness and compassion in each other, we also take energy away from the weeds of anger, jealousy, and misperception.

It is a three-part process: watering flowers, expressing regrets, and expressing hurts and difficulties.