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Welcome to your February issue of Ki
Moments, and thank you for subscribing.
How is your day going? Are you present now? Let this
moment be a Ki Moment. Breathe and energize your
body and mind. It only takes a moment to change the
rest of your day.
I would like to thank each of you for your continued
support both in reading and forwarding Ki Moments
to friends and colleagues. I especially appreciate
the positive comments I receive each month.
If you are not already on our Ki Moments
mailing list, please let me know and I will be
happy to add your name, or you can sign up via my
website,
http://www.judyringer.com.
Receiving Ki Moments once a month is a great
way to come back to center and reinforce useful
conflict and communication habits.
Happy Valentines Day, and don't forget to send a
valentine to your loved one.
Good Ki!
There is still time to register for my public
workshop: "Conflict in the Workplace" on February
15.
Register here
| Practice Makes Perfect: Changing Your Communication Habits One Step At a Time |
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We are what we do repeatedly,
Excellence, therefore, is not an act,
It is a habit.
-- Aristotle
Since September, Ki Moments has focused on
tools and attitudes for holding difficult conversations.
Today, I'd like to bring it all together with some steps
for continued practice.
The concept of practice applies to any skill that
you want to cultivate. Practicing new conflict
and communication techniques requires some
risk-taking. Nonetheless, you learn from the
successes and the unexpected outcomes, and you
gradually become more proficient. Here are some
ways to continue to practice communicating more
clearly and purposefully:
- Increase awareness. Notice whether
your communication style is accomplishing your goals.
If not, try something different.
- Acknowledge. What is your positive hope
for the communication? What is theirs? Recognize
that you are both doing your best, and give yourself
and your partner the benefit of the
doubt.
- Keep it safe. Maintain a calm, centered
attitude, a respectful demeanor, and a positive
purpose.
- Cultivate curiosity. Develop an open,
curious, and interested frame of mind. Regardless of
what your conversation partner says, try to see their
centered intent and respond
appropriately.
- Practice. Try new
techniques and learn from them. If you tend toward a
passive and accommodating style, try offering a
different opinion on occasion. If the opposite is true
and you are on the talkative side, stop yourself and
listen more. Ask questions. Try being curious.
A tourist stopped a New Yorker on the street and
asked: "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" The New
Yorker replied: "Practice!" An old joke, but a good
one. The point is that change takes place
gradually over time. Try one adjustment today.
Review the suggestions above, and pick one. Let me
know what happens. Take time to enjoy your
newfound power. And most of all - have fun!
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| ConflictQuestions.com |
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What questions do you have about conflict,
communication, and creating a more positive life and
work environment? What problems do you face at
work, or at home?
I have a new website devoted to answering your
questions. Send a note, and I'll do my best to answer
you promptly. I look forward to hearing from you!
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| Unlikely Teachers |
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I jumped the gun a bit last month when I said that
my book - Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden
Gifts in Daily Conflict, might be ready to order in
February. As things stand, March or April are more
likely now. As a new publisher, I am learning a lot,
and every step is an adventure. But I do have a
cover!
I really appreciate all the subscribers who have said
they're eager to own a copy, and I promise to let you
know as soon as the book is available. Thank you for
your encouragement and support.
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| Aikido - The Martial Art |
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Many of the principles reflected in Ki Moments
come from aikido, the Japanese martial art that
teaches self-defense through the redirection of
energy.
If you're interested in learning aikido, Portsmouth
Aikido is an ongoing martial arts school located at the
Seacoast Family Y in Portsmouth. Classes are held on
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:45 p.m., Fridays at
6:45 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 and 2:15 p.m. You
can stop by anytime and watch a class. Or visit our
web site -
http://www.portsmouthaikido.com - for more
information.
The next Aikido Beginner Class will start
March 5. The six-week course will run
through April 9, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. each Sunday.
The cost is $65.00 per person for the course and
includes a Portsmouth Aikido t-shirt. Anyone aged 12
or older is welcome.
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| Contact Information |
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Judy Ringer
Power & Presence Training
76 Park Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
voice: 603.431.8560
website:
www.judyringer.com
Judy Ringer is Founder of Power & Presence Training,
a Portsmouth, NH company specializing in unique
workshops to help you and your organization manage
conflict, communicate effectively, and co-create a
more positive work environment. E-mail Judy at
judy@judyringer.com for a
free initial meeting to discuss your training needs.
Ki (from Ai-ki-do) is Japanese for life energy.
Ki Moments is a complimentary monthly "e-
zine" with tips and how-to articles to help you
manage the key moments in your life.
If you enjoy our news and stories, feel free to share
them with friends or colleagues. Use our "FORWARD"
link below to pass it along with our thanks!
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