with Chris Manning, PhD
Professor of Finance and Real Estate at Loyola Marymount University
and Mark Robert Waldman
Adjunct Faculty, Executive MBA Program, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles
Associate Fellow, Center for Spirituality and the Mind, University of Pennsylvania
Effective communication is essential in virtually all aspects of life; but the latest neuroscientific evidence shows that the expression of any form of negativity is damaging to both the speaker’s and listener’s brains. Whether at home or in the workplace, negative speech creates interpersonal stress, neural dissonance, and work-related burnout. Under the direction of Mark Waldman, Andrew Newberg, and Chris Manning, a new communication strategy has been developed that is now part of a multi-university education and training program. Compassionate Communication integrates mindfulness, relaxation, and various “inner values” meditations. By staying deeply relaxed and in the present moment, you can use your tone of voice and facial expressions to generate neurological trust and cooperation in the listener’s brain.
The 12 components of this strategy undermine neural patterns of defensive communication. Compassionate Communication interrupts the inner speech that governs everyday consciousness, and it promotes a spontaneous dialogue that generates neurological empathy. The process restricts the expression of negative thoughts and feelings. The leaders will explain how even brief expressions of anger are neurologically damaging to both the speaker and listener and why this program is now taught in business schools. This workshop is divided among experiential practices, lectures, and group discussion. Participants will be guided through the 20-minute Compassionate Communication training module and several basic mindfulness exercises. Discussions include how to use this process with children and conflicted couples, and Dr. Manning will explain how to bring these strategies into all aspects of business, negotiation, management, and sales. Downloadable mp3s and documented references will be distributed during the workshop. On Saturday evening, a special presentation of Newberg and Waldman’s brainscan research on spirituality and meditation will be given.
The material in this class will be featured in Newberg and Waldman’s new book, Words Can Change Your Brain. Additional Recommended reading: Newberg and Waldman, How God Changes Your Brain.
Mark Waldman is Adjunct Faculty, Executive MBA Program, at Loyola Marymount University, where he teaches stress reduction and communication strategies that have grown out of his brainscan research with Andrew Newberg, MD, at the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson University. Mark is considered one of the world’s leading experts on spirituality and the brain. His research has been featured in Time, The New York Times, the Washington Post, Oprah Radio and Magazine, NPR radio, and PBS television. He is the author of Words Can Change Your Brain and 12 other books, including the bestselling How God Changes Your Brain.
Dr. Chris Manning, PhD, is Professor of Finance and Real Estate at Loyola Marymount University. He is on the editorial board for the Journal of Real Estate Research and is a former president of the American Real Estate Society. He has authored dozens of articles relating to management, sales, and negotiation in both the business and educational communities.
CEUs available: go to http://www.esalen.org/
