The Art of Communicating: Mastering Life's Most Important Skill Through Mindfulness, Personal Growth, and Effective Interpersonal Relations with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh Paperback – September 2, 2014

This teaching has improved my communication skills, as well as my peacemaking skills, kindness, and compassion.This book was easy to read and understand.

I have been on the "spiritual path" for about 10 years now. I have had many spiritual experiences: past lives experienced in meditation, merging with cosmic consciousness and I even watched Joel (the name given to this form at birth) die (ego death). Even with experiencing profound realizations I have had a big challenge in communication. Namely I have always wanted people to listen to what I have to say. I end up talking very fast (usually because I feel like I need to get everything out before someone interrupts me) and have always wondered why people don't really listen to me? For these communication challenges and many more are what led me to this book. I wasn't even looking for a "spiritual communication" book, but now I understand even better that communication is one way our realizations as a human being may be actualized and lived in our life. This book isn't really "spiritual" per-se, but does have fundamentals based in the Buddhist tradition.The following section blew me away with an insight I had never heard before: "We communicate to be understood and to understand others. If we're talking and no one is listening (maybe not even our own selves), we're not communicating effectively." These two sentences slapped me awake. Listening to myself while I talk? I had never heard of that concept said before. I thought talking meant I was supposed to talk..100%! This talking, without myself actually listening to the words coming out of my mouth has gotten me into quite a bit of trouble in communication. I see now that people don't listen to me very much because they are a reflection of myself! I don't even listen to my own words coming out of my mouth, why would others? I have been practicing listening to myself when I talk, it is not the most natural thing, but I am learning.Right after these two sentences were these ones that mirrored my personal challenges in communication perfectly: "We all want to be understood. When we interact with another person, particularly if we haven't practiced mindfulness of our own suffering and listened well to our own selves, we're anxious for others to understand us right away. We want to begin by expressing ourselves. But talking first like that doesn't usually work. Deep listening needs to come first. Practicing mindfulness of suffering- recognizing and embracing the suffering in oneself and in the other person- will give rise to the understanding necessary for good communication."I also have the tendency to still judge others and have known for quote some time that this has been hurting my spiritual/human progress. The author suggests we practice deep listening, where the primary goal is to help the other person suffer less. This is a very simple suggestion, though what impact would it have on your life if you actually practiced this in every conversation? So instead of trying to be "right", to sound intelligent or gain approval from others as primary motives for communication, what if we substituted our own Being instead...full of compassion? Do you think your relationships would be transformed? I know mine would and see that offering compassion is the way I can connect better with others in communication and therefore, both others and I will be happier and better off because of it.These are a few highlights that really stood out for me. I am sure you have your own challenges in communication, that's why you are reading this review. I suggest that you push that little button called "add to cart", you can thank me after you finish reading "The art of communicating." Take care and best of luck with your progress to a more authentic way of communication.

I’ve read hundreds of books in my life. As an English major in college, an English teacher for six years, and simply a person who enjoys reading, I’ve consumed a lot of literature. This is the first book I have ever read that I wanted to go on and on forever. Reading this produces the same feeling as spending time with a good friend who always believes in your capacity to be the best possible version of yourself. It provides not just warmth and comfort, but guidance for forging deeper and healthier connections with everyone around you. It feels like a meditation, inspiring you to reconnect with yourself and embrace your thoughts rather than run away from them. In just 160 pages, the book offers countless approachable concepts, and you can apply them within your first few minutes of opening it. If you care about others, whether it is all others or a select few, this book should be required reading. It will help you fall in love with yourself and feel equipped to love the world. I want to buy a copy of this for everyone I know. Whoever you are, you need this.

I have read much of Thich Nhat Hanh's work, and this one has the qualities of all his other works. At the center of the "Art of Communicating" is being at peace with self, and that comes from being mindful. In an age when the superficial seems to rule and playing games with other's thoughts and feelings seems to be standard practice, The Art of Communicating offers a straightforward, practical way to practice so that your words are authentic; you are authentic. At the heart of being an effective communicator is that authenticity, and Thich Nhat Hanh offers a practical way to bring that authenticity to your life through Buddhist mindfulness practice. It really matters not whether one is Buddhist or not. These practices in making your speech authentic can be done by anyone of any religious persuasion. Once read, your communication with everyone will never be the same.

I got this book to see if my communication could be improved with my partner. I learned a lot and the book is a quick and easy read, longer if you want to take your time to practice what you learned. You can find a podcast with the author and he can explain further.

Finished the book the same day I got it! Fast read! Amazing book it show so many realistic ways to look at life & I love the zen theme it’s such an amazing book 10/10!!!

Great reading. Using it for meditation class

This is a remarkably useful book. While we are taught how to read and to speak, almost no one learns how to listen properly. I can tell if you are a poor writer or poor speaker but neither you or I can tell if you are a great listener. Thich Nhat Hanh has found a way to help readers become outstanding communicators by learning how to be a better listener. Reading this book and following the suggestions that are within will transform the reader into an outstanding listener. When you learn to be this kind of listener all day long, then you will develop enduring, loving relationships with the most important people in your life. This will make you one of the most important and influential persons in your sphere of connections with family, coworkers, and community. This book is worth taking time to study it closely and master the Art of Communications.