Meaningful Conversations
As the theme of this month is shaping up to be on giving- it occurred to me to explore some ways of giving that may not immediately come to mind around the holidays-or for that matter at any time.
I am on the second reading of a new book by Robert Holden entitled Higher Purpose- it is among my current favorites. The chapter I read this morning is how to use the events of Life as a portal to the new. His writing on the Death of Normal and the effects of the pandemic had me pause. It was very clear at the time, that we needed to move into a new way of being – that this experience was showing us the gaps across the world, in how we give to each other – or how we do not. The months have passed, and for some the idea of pretending it never happened, is more appealing than creating the new from what happened.
Robert has a business card that contains his name and his title Conversationalist and his phone number. (no email). He writes “The ability to hold a meaningful conversation is the great work of our time.” Conversation in the texting only world is a way of giving…giving of yourself, giving of your time, giving of what matters to you and what you find most meaningful. It also means listening – the sacred kind – where you truly hear beyond the words.
This both inspired and challenged me as I review my interactions of the past weeks -sad to say there were more digital moments that human to human moments…and I want to change that. The ability to converse worldwide over Zoom or Facetime is an amazing vehicle- how we use it allows us to give of ourselves beyond where we can drive or fly. And it also can pull for just watching the recording or never interacting directly with the speaker.
As these weeks of the Holy Seasons of Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanza unfold, lets consider giving a gift of ourselves in meaningful conversation – choosing our words with love and impact, and coming form a state of mind that is filled with gratitude for the capacity to do so.
I am open for those conversations to anyone reading this blog – just reach out!
