Centuries ago we had to communicate often by either speech or placing a writing utensil to paper.    While verbal communication hasn't changed much over the years with the exception of added jargon or perhaps new metaphors that reflect the period; verbally a person not only relies on the spoken word, but also the tone, inflection and dialog that is part of the experience and effectiveness of the interchange.

Today with the introduction of technology, communication has become more efficient and faster, but has also become less effective and lost some of the human touch element that is an important part of verbal interaction.   Letter writing, not even a couple decades ago was often lengthy and slow, as the written word was often mailed to the recipient and a reply was often mailed back, this could take days or even weeks. This exchange took time not only to write, but to read.  With the introduction of email this has improved the speed significantly.  The interaction can be nearly as effective as verbal communication because someone with a basic grasp of language can still express emotion and feeling in written form.  Still capturing the heart and mind of the person we are communicating with.

It seems with technological advances we are loosing more and more of the human connection.  That opportunity to connect one heart, spirit and mind to another.  That connection that goes deeper and keeps what being human is really all about.  We have already seen this connection eroding in younger generations as more youth rely almost solely on non-verbal communication like texting or instant messaging which contains almost no human connection.

I have done extensive research into types of communication and what are appropriate methods for what is considered 'healthy' communication.  I thought I would share them with you here:

Verbal (phone or in person) - The most preferred in making that human connection with others.  Verbal communication is not only just sharing words, but also gives us the ability to share feelings and emotions that can often be lost in the written word.

Written (email, letter) - Best when verbal isn't an option or available.  If performed properly, it still allows people to express emotion and feelings in a connected dialog when thoughts and sentences are formed properly.

Texting or Instant Messaging - Unless this is "live" and with someone of equal skill/ability and a common frame of reference/disposition; this is by far the poorest method of communication because there often is no human emotional connection.  It tends to be cold and only gives the opportunity for two or three word sentences.    It is however very efficient for 'yes' and 'no' answers to very simple questions.  It should not be a replacement for verbal or written communication.  We can not deeply or effectively express "love" in this manner often making it ineffective and sometimes even misunderstood.

It is important in life that we don't loose what it is to be a Human Being.  What it is to love others and how important the Art of Communication is in our lives and to others.

Taking the time to invest in another person is never a waste of time.  It shows them you care when you choose to call, choose to write or choose to read something they have written.  It's that respect that brings us together or the lack of that drives us apart.  

So, next time you get a long email or letter - don't toss it to the side and shirk at it as a waste of your time; embrace it and find joy in reading it, feel the passion that went into writing it and be grateful someone cared enough to take their time and thought enough of you to write it.  A warm heartfelt letter is a gift to be cherished and appreciated.  

If you feel so rushed, you can't take time to appreciate such a gift a letter has to offer; you need to really stop and perhaps re-evaluate life in general.  If we must live life in such a hurry, what's the point?!