Meaningful Conversations
One of the activities I value and treasure is "real" conversations. I thoroughly enjoy listening deeply to the heart of another. To share conversation where we each have a chance to speak and feel truly heard without being judged. I recently read a book by Margaret Wheatley "Turning to one another: simple conversations to restore hope to the future" that moved me greatly. In it she states: "We have never wanted to be alone. But today, we are alone. We are more fragmented and isolated from each other than ever before….we move at frantic speed, spinning out into greater isolation. We seek consolation in everything but each other. We've forgotten the source of true contentment and well being."
The intent of her book and the intent of this article is to encourage and support you in beginning conversations about what's important to you. I'll share with you a few conversation starters that Margaret offers and then an invitation to join me in meaningful conversations. Go ahead, start a conversation with someone about any of these:
1. What do I believe about others? 2. When have I experienced good listening? 3. Am I willing to reclaim time to think? 4. What is my unique contribution to the whole? 5. When do I experience the sacred?
Another author who gives us great ideas for meaingful conversations is Parker Palmer. In his book, "A Hidden Wholeness" he states "the soul wants truth, not trivia." That is such a powerful statement to me. He outlines a process called circles of trust. In these circles we trust the soul and its capacity to speak the truth, we trust each other to have the intention to create a space that is safe enough to welcome the soul, and we trust that having a no "change agenda" will allow the soul to have transformational outcomes.
Become curious about others, slow down and talk together, over time, in a place you love. When you're comfortable, begin to invite new people into your conversation. You can meet physically or by telephone. I have participated in groups by telephone where wonderfully meaningful conversations have taken place with people all over the planet!
To your meaningful conversations!
Related Tags: career, spirituality, spiritual, meaning, authentic, ann ronan, integrating spirituality, life purpo
Ann Ronan, Ph.D., RScP helps others to live authentic lives doing what they most love. If you'd like to have a great conversation, drop into my Spiritual Living Teleconference Study Group any Tuesday afternoon from 4:00 - 5:00 pm Pacific. Dial into 1-712-580-8020, access code 101188 for a meaningful conversation! And visit www.authenticlifeinstitute.com for more!
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