“Learning innovative ways in which individuals and communities can communicate more peacefully, nonviolently, and compassionately with each other is at the heart my inquiry, in addition to practicing a style of communication which creates less suffering in the lives of others (humans and non-human beings).”
ABOUT ME: I came to the study of communication because I wanted to be a better communicator, with the hope of enhancing my relationships, and, as a result, the quality of my life. Thus, I am primarily interested in studying how communication can transform our understandings of ourselves and others. To explore this further in my teaching and scholarship, I combine communication theories with the contemplative philosophies and practices of varying wisdom traditions, including meditation, yoga, and pranayama (conscious breathing), to cultivate a more present-moment focused, conscious approach to communication studies.
I have termed my approach to the study and practice of communication - Mettacommunication - a concept which involves building awareness (via contemplation or mindfulness) of one's communication patterns as they are unfolding in one's present moment interactions. Central to this vision is the role of listening across differences.
Ultimately, I see communication as a mindfulness practice in and of itself, requiring daily attention via small everyday acts or micro-practices. Further, I fully embrace the notion that by changing our communication patterns, we change the world; therefore, my interests in communication are also grounded in a social justice sensibility built from everyday activism.
For more information: kristen.blinne(at)oneonta.edu
Associate Professor, Communication Studies, SUNY College at Oneonta
Affiliate Faculty, Women's & Gender Studies, SUNY College at Oneonta
Ph.D. Communication, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
M.A. Medical Anthropology, cum laude, Universiteit van Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Graduate Certificate, Women's and Gender Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
B.A. Health Arts & Creativity Studies, Goddard College, Plainfield, VT