Oren Jay Sofer leads retreats and workshops on mindful communication and meditation at retreat centers and educational facilities around the United States.  He is the founder of Next Step Dharma and Mindful Healthcare and he holds a degree in Comparative Religion from Columbia University. In this episode, he and Eric discuss his new book, Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication. In it, you’ll learn an updated model on how to skillfully communicate – especially in difficult situations. Practical strategies and helpful perspectives are what you’ll get in this episode. Need help with completing your goals in 2019? The One You Feed Transformation Program can help you accomplish your goals this year.In This Interview, Oren Jay Sofer and I Discuss…His book, Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent CommunicationThat we’re not stuck, our minds can learn and it depends on the choices we make moment to momentThe three steps to create effective conversationLead with PresenceCome from Curiosity and CareFocus on What MattersHow most people live with fragmented attention and it takes training to be fully present with another personThat you can feel whether a person is fully present with you or notBringing awareness and attention to the body to come into the present moment (the body is always in the present moment)Bodily sensations happen in the present momentThe power of pausingHow our rate of speech is connected to our nervous systemThat when we are present, we have a lot more choicesThat our intention shapes our verbal and non-verbal communicationsThe intention to understandThe intention of kindness and careHow you can practice kindness to someone you don’t likeKindness can be about protecting your own heartThe phrase “Let me see if I’ve got it…”Listening for what matters to the other person – what do they need?The difference between needs and strategiesThe Nonviolent Communication ModelObservations, Feelings, Needs, RequestsCommunicating in the workplaceOren Jay Sofer LinksOrenJaySofer.comFacebookTwitterInstagram