Benjamin Haynes is a wonderful example of today's young generation. He is a meditator, yogi, and evangelizer of "authentic relating." I was impressed by his presence, groundedness, and the intentional manner in which he spoke when we met about a year ago. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill and teaching in Malaysia under a Fulbright grant, Benjamin recently joined Authentic Relating Training, an organization dedicated to the practice and production of authentic relating programs.

In today's episode, Benjamin and I explore the meaning and purpose of authentic relating. We discuss what led him to authentic relating and share tips to help you relate with others with presence and authenticity. We illustrate how meditation can impact our lives and benefit the way we communicate with each other. We also emphasize the power of leading with presence and the value of focusing on what matters.

"Authentic relating transforms yourself and your relationships through communication." - Benjamin Haynes

This week on Relationships! Let's Talk About It:

• My first meeting with Benjamin
• How he cultivated his groundedness and authentic relating
• Benjamin's introduction to meditation, how he built it into a daily practice, and how it has benefited him
• The relationship between meditation, mindfulness, and authentic relating
• Taking authentic relating to another level and the three different levels of a conversation
• The power of taking pauses in conversation
• Gender dynamics and its relationship with communication
• How the dynamics of Benjamin's relationship with his father has changed over time
• The challenges of a parent-child relationship
• The need to face our fears and take risks and what made me transition from the corporate world to my counseling practice
• How authentic relating can lead to a more profound connection between people
• How Benjamin's fascination with mindfulness led him to Authentic Relating Training
• Integrating non-violent communication and mindfulness
• The importance of leading with presence, coming with curiosity, and focusing on what matters

Related Content:

• The Challenges of Workplace Relationships
• Generosity: Contemplating on How We Show Up in Our Relationships
• The Relationship of Business Through the Lens of Giving
• Couples Communication: Circling Techniques

Resources Mentioned:

• Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication by Oren Jay Sofer
• 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works - A True Story by Dan Harris

Connect with Benjamin Haynes:

• Authentic Relating Training

Let's Talk About It!

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Theme music "These Streets" provided by Adi the Monk