Each of these values are important.  They don’t all have to be present at once, however, they do mesh together and are always used when seeking to achieve positive communication.  They are fluid and soothing.  They create a sense of comfort and trust.  They have to be genuine or they are not present.  They can’t be forced as that will make them disingenuous.  They are contagious and often mirrored.

The value that is seen as the most important one listed above, is open-minded.  Open-mindedness creates an atmosphere for all the other values to grow in and thrive.  Open-mindedness sets the foundation for curiosity.  To be truly curious, you have to listen intently and be present.  When you listen intently, you are listening to understand.  This understanding breeds empathy and compassion.  The other person feels the genuine energy that is being created through the positive communication and they find comfort and ease when communicating.  This form of positive communication lowers, if not completely dissolves, resistance and negativity.

This holds true with inner communication as well.  Our internal thoughts pop up in our heads all the time.  How we hold these thoughts is our choice.  If we sit with a particular thought for a few seconds, another similar thought will pop up.  This will continue to produce thoughts and build momentum as along as we allow this to happen.  Having an open mind and being curious with our thoughts gives us options as to how we want to sit with the thought or where we want to go with that thought.  When we are close-minded with ourselves and dismiss what we are feeling, in order to “not offend” or “overthinking it”, we usually end up in a not so happy place.  Finding happiness within ourselves, allows for more sincere and positive connection with others.

When you practice centering your communication around these five integral values, you find that people want to stay engaged as they feel heard, understood, valued and important.  The return that is received from effective positive communication is insurmountable.

Whether it’s for law enforcement, government, or private sector organizations, or within our families and closest relationships, knowing and understanding core values and how they impact us and others can dynamically change how we talk with and treat each other.  Listening to understand forces us to be present and block out distractions and noises, so that we can hear every word someone is saying which will allow for us to hear the true message that is being sent.

When our focus is intently centered on what someone is saying, we open our other senses to help us fully grasp everything that is being sent from the other person.  When we notice body language and facial expressions, which are often involuntary movements, they can illuminate the message being sent. 

Being curious will help to clarify any message that is misunderstood.  Being empathetic and compassionate lends to the comfort and safety the other person feels.  Being open-minded allows for understanding and creates a space for growth.  You may understand what someone says and why they are feeling the way they feel, but it doesn’t mean you have to agree with it.  Remaining open-minded and curious helps to keep emotions from influencing our reactions and responses.  We are able to understand this more quickly, when we understand ourselves and how we feel when we are communicating with others and how we want to feel heard and understood. Therefore, when someone else is communicating, we can feel the importance of listening because we know the feeling it gives us when we are heard.  This allows space for both parties to have room to maneuver around in the disequilibrium of disagreement.

The Integral Power of Five exuberates humanity through positive communication.