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Six Buddhist Strategies for Getting Along Better with Everyone | Sister True Dedication

Nov 20, 2024

Sister True Dedication, a Zen Buddhist nun and former BBC journalist, shares six powerful mantras that can improve relationships and communication. She emphasizes the importance of keeping misunderstandings 'dust free' and taking proactive steps to manage anger. The conversation highlights how these phrases can be adapted to modern interactions at work and home. True Dedication reflects on her transition from journalism to monastic life, infusing her insights with personal anecdotes that illustrate the transformative power of mindfulness and compassion.

01:06:54

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Sister True Dedication

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Quick takeaways

The six mantras proposed by Thich Nhat Hanh focus on cultivating mindful communication and promoting emotional availability in relationships.

Recognizing and expressing personal suffering allows individuals to seek help, enhancing vulnerability and fostering deeper trust within connections.

Practicing gratitude through the mantra 'This is a happy moment' encourages appreciation of present joys, enriching overall well-being.

Deep dives

The Importance of Communication

Human connection is essential for a meaningful and joyful life, yet modern society often complicates communication, leading to feelings of isolation despite being hyper-connected. The abundance of information and various means of communication can dilute the quality of our interactions, leaving many feeling lonely. The discussed mantras aim to cut through this noise and facilitate meaningful exchanges among individuals. By focusing on these fundamental communication practices, one can engage more authentically with others, enhancing the depth of relationships.

Intro

5min

Unlocking Communication: The Power of Mantras

2min

The Power of Modern Mantras in Communication

2min

The Art of Meaningful Connection

23min

Cultivating Compassion: The Garden of the Mind

5min

Mindfulness and Transformation

16min

Mindful Breathing and Inclusion in Meditation Practices

4min

Mindful Breathing and Mantras for Connection

16min

Reflections and Resources from the Conversation

3min

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A journalist-turned-Buddhist-nun shares six phrases – or mantras – to help keep your relationships on the rails.

Relationships can be tricky. Especially if you find yourself upset with someone, and instead of talking it through, you let it fester until one moment you completely lose it and end up having to apologize. If you’ve ever felt like you had friction with the people in your life, or that you’ve been taken for granted, today’s episode offers you solid strategies to cope.

Sister True Dedication is a Zen Buddhist nun and teacher ordained by the great meditation teacher and author, Thich Nhat Hanh. She edited several of Thich Nhat Hanh’s books, including The Art of Living and Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet. She was born in the United Kingdom, studied history and political thought at Cambridge University, and worked for BBC News before ordaining as a nun at the age of 27.

In this episode we talk about:

The six phrases – or mantras – that Thich Nhat Hanh recommended people use in their relationships
Keeping misunderstandings “dust free”
Taking action to make sure anger doesn’t fester
The importance of recognizing that our understanding of the world is always partial
Bringing mantras to work
How Sister True Dedication went from journalism to the monastery

Full Shownotes: https://happierapp.com/podcast/tph/sister-true-dedication-rerun

Where to find Sister True Dedication online:

Website: Plum Village Teacher Page

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