Recently, I received a beautifully written “Out-of-Office automatic reply” that opened my heart with compassion and awareness. Without delving into too many details about the message, the author outlined her circumstances and the nature of her personal challenges; explained how her situation was impacting her work and her ability to respond to the needs of others; and requested the readers’ understanding and patience. Her message caused me to pause, breathe and re-read her note. It was obvious to me that while her message wasn’t longer than the usual content, the care and self-awareness required to write such a missive were unique.
She showed that she cares not only for herself and her immediate family, but that she also respects anyone who may try to communicate with her through her work email. Her impressive mindfulness is important aspect of communication. That she outlined a course of action and that her relationship to the reader is clearly important and worth her careful consideration were additional dimensions of her active good will. With deliberate thoughtfulness and kindness, she coveyed the boundaries she needs to thrive. For the reader there is no mystery, no loss of focus or confusion. She effectively eliminated any misunderstandings that may arise owing to lack of skillful communication.
Lesson 18: This week, before you pick up the phone, answer an email or leave a voicemail, take a breath to make sure you are calm and able to respond with good intention, so that you can communicate your message with love and kindness. Rely on your Accountability Group if you feel challenged by any emotional aspects of the communication
While not sufficient in itself, it is commonly accepted that the “Tool of Intention,” often utilized in prayer, meditation and contemplation, has the transformative capacity to improve outcomes. Whether intention is used for physical, mental or spiritual healing, intention sets a pathway to communication that relies of love and spirit to transmit good faith and harmony. During these trying times, we could all use intentional communication to ask for what we need, reduce harm and show good will.
Karma Compass 
I feel I recently had a similar exchange 🙂 and it opened my eyes, mind, and heart. Still it’s difficult to maintain deep connections with everyone we meet. For me it’s especially difficult as I meet so many people in my business and interestingly experience a kind of loss once the transaction is completed and we all move on with life’s daily challenges and to the next client as is dictated by the job.
Hi, Jonelle. Yes, in certain types of work, we touch many lives without having a deeper connection. When I was teaching, I often had 100-150 new people to meet per term. As a partial introvert, i often felt taxed by the intensity of energy, and yet they were each important and memorable to me. When we do our jobs right, many people will likely forget about us, having obtained their desired outcome and moving ahead. However, and thankfully, a precious few will remain in our lives for years to come, bridging our past and our future selves–the witness of us. Be well!