July, 2008

Would you be interested in a simple technique to increase connection, harmony and good will in just five seconds?

A couple of weeks ago, I was at a conference where I heard that 70-80% of the population are primarily visual learners. What does that mean for our interpersonal communication?

As I was putzing around in the kitchen that night, my daughter attempted to begin a conversation with me from the next room. Engrossed in my cooking and cleaning tasks, I was not inspired to really hear what she was saying or respond to her.

A few minutes later, the scene repeated itself, though my daughter was sitting closer, at the kitchen table. Tired of the annoyance of half-hearted conversations, I turned around and looked her in the eyes.

Within five seconds, my annoyance had transformed to love and gratitude. How lucky I was to have such a beautiful, artistic, imaginative child in my life!

With that connection established, I completed our interchange with engagement rather than irritation and returned to my kitchen tasks with renewed inspiration and relaxation.

I wasn't even trying any fancy woo woo techniques of envisioning the light within her or anything-I promise!

I simply looked in her eyes.

Five seconds to softening into a tender connection. Can you spare the time? ;-)