Chapter 2

          Chapter two, titled Culture and Interpersonal Communication, explores how interpersonal communication operates in a networked world where members of different cultures interact. Due to the fact that technology and media have made communicating with those on every corner of the world increasingly accessible, it is important to study the differences and similarities in communication patterns among cultures. It is also important to note that we will never be complete experts of each and every communication method used by every culture, so we must also learn how to be ethical and aware communicators, regardless of our knowledge of the individual(s) we are talking with.

           While the authors only briefly mention the concept of mindfulness, I have grown to believe that it's effects can really help with both one's understanding of their self, and with being better listeners and communicators with others. Mindfulness, according to our authors, is the awareness of one's own behavior and that of others. Throughout the training process to become a Resident Advisor here at Western Washington University, my class began each session by doing a mindfulness activity. The purpose behind these exercises was to become much more aware about how we felt physically, mentally, and what thoughts were running through our heads. We were not to criticize or judge our thoughts or feelings, but simply acknowledge them, and recognize that they will play into how we may interact with and perceive others.
          I have found mindfulness especially useful in conversations I have with my residents. Each of my thirty residents come from different backgrounds and experiences, have different beliefs systems, communicate differently, and in many ways are likely very different than me. By becoming aware of the thoughts and feelings that are running through my head and allowing them to pass, I am able to be more present with my resident while they could potentially be feeling very vulnerable or uncomfortable with opening up to me. And while I may not necessarily agree with what they are telling me, I am able to respect their situation and do my best to empathize and give them the attention they deserve.
          Having one-on-one conversations with my residents and exercising mindfulness in order to communicate with them to the best of my ability can in many ways be related to communicating with others from different cultures. By becoming educated, not believing one way of communicating is the only way, one can expand their range of communication to all types of people and exponentially increase their experiences and knowledge of the world.