Blog – Page 3 – Center for New Directions

Building Charisma

Charisma is a trait many believe to be the most important when networking and meeting new people. Charisma is difficult to measure or definably describe but we all know what it is like to meet someone with charisma; they are tuned in to you, make you feel like you are the only person in the […]

Understanding the Grieving Process

Losing someone, especially someone close, is never easy. It can be what appears to be a difficult never ending road. It is no secret that each and every person will have to deal with loss and the cycle of grieving and mourning. Moving through such a tragic time can be made easier and less scary […]

Spotting Manipulative Behavior in Relationships

It is important to be aware of yourself and others within a relationship; especially when your partner is manipulating you and it often happens under the radar. Recognizing and knowing manipulative behavior is essential in knowing to end a relationship. Manipulative partners are toxic and can bring you down and make you feel trapped and […]

The Importance of Attention

What We Give Attention to We Give Power to: The ultimate governing power of our lives is our thoughts. Our thoughts, ideas, and internal monologues succeed into our actions, behaviors, and long term attitudes. Let us take one step back; at the foundation of our internal universe is Frank. Frank is the man behind the […]

Mindfulness

“Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.” -Sylvia Boorstein Within the world of psychology, the eastern thought of mindfulness has been gaining much […]

Christmas is Here!

Christmas. Expectation: spiced lattes and cozy weather; elaborate decorations and decadent treats; cheerful parties and family fun. Reality: missed holiday parties, angry friends, financial stress, and inconvenient weather. The picture we paint in our heads is so often different from the reality we experience, especially when it comes to Christmastime! While everyone’s “reason for the […]

Attending Skills

Ask open-ended questions. Avoid yes-or-no questions. Avoid “why” questions which block communication Use “what” and “how” Use minimal encouragement: Nodding of head, eye contact “Uh-huh” “Yes” “Go on” “And” “Because” Avoid rescuing. Allow the other person to have pain, confusion, sadness, and anger as part of their learning. Nurture without bleeding with them; keep objective. […]

Effective Listening

Assertive listening involves an active commitment to the other person. It requires your full attention,and calls for no overt act on your part, although eye contact and certain gestures– such as nodding– are often appropriate. Listening demonstrates your respect for the other person. It requires that you avoid expressing yourself for a time, yet it is not […]

Listening is Loving

What is active listening? Listening actively rather than passively Participatory: you give feedback and respond Letting the other person know that you heard What does it do? Facilitates communication Makes the other person feel important Provides a place to air feelings and thoughts, non- threateningly Allows and encourages expression of thoughts and feelings Provides an […]

So Why Did He Do It?

I hear women ask their spouse after an affair or acting out sexually, “Why did you do it?” Men have a difficult time answering why. I’ve heard them say I am just“stupid”, “I just wasn’t thinking” or “ I don’t know”. They also blame their spouse, claiming that if they had more sex in the relationship, they […]