Cultivating better conversations

Looking out from a field shelter to the trees beyond

The smaller field shelter was a handy retreat when the heavens opened. I’d come out clothed for a sunny morning alpaca round. And the farmhouse was too far a dash. Standing here, looking at a different, more enclosed view, I wondered about the conversations we need but often avoid. Is it because we have a … Read more

The extraordinary privilege of conversation

the-extraordinary-privilege-of-conversation

I suspect many of us simply take conversations for granted. Yet perhaps we miss seeing the generative potential of this coming together*. We probably don’t recognise the impact we have on each other. And the fruit we take to our next conversation as a result. So what might happen if we chose to see these … Read more

Words at work – handle with care

words-at-work-handle-with-care

How we describe what we observe and feel reinforces what we think we see. Because ultimately, we can’t ‘see’ everything. For example, our colour perception as human beings is only within a limited range, unlike many non-human beings, who see much more than we do. So our words are significant shapers of how we interpret … Read more

For everything, there is a time

for-everything-there-is-a-time

Sometimes we sitwith our hands open –resting into the chair,knowing there’s nothing morewe can do,but be at peace,and see what fallsinto our laps. This isn’t resignation,or fatalism.It’s the placewe come to whenour job is tobe at rest.Not trying to makethings happen, butcome with appreciativeexpectation for thepossibilities awaiting. For all that has been –thanks;and for all … Read more

Reflecting on the humility of conversations

reflecting-on-the-humility-of-conversations

How we attend to ourselves and the others in an exchange probably determines whether it is worthy of being called a conversation. Recently, John Kuzava helpfully mused on the root of the word from the Latin ‘conversatio’, which means ‘to turn about with’ or ‘to change together’. So metaphorically standing with our arms crossed, waiting … Read more

Starting to explore why conversations are so important…

starting-to-explore-why-conversations-are-so-important

Conversations aren’t about gaining knowledge. They’re about finding our voice – both individually and collectively. Making sense of where we are and who we are. And why we are here. Then using better words to connect with the others and make a difference. They are fundamental to our development as human beings and the healthy … Read more

A different kind of exploration

a-diffferent-kind-of-exploration

As we emerge and find our feet in this new landscape, we need to embrace a different kind of exploration. The old questions that frame our sight with hard edges and cause and effect are no longer helpful. Instead, we must use all our senses and feel our way forward. Being open to metaphors and … Read more

Words in transformation

words-in-transformation

Make roomfor what is precious,take timeto see your world;and know thatyou are lovedand appreciatedand seen,even if youcan’t see yourself. Our wordsshape what we see,creating our senseof reality,filtering our emotions.Let’s chooseour words wisely.They colourthe mirrorinto which we gaze. Isn’t it wonderful that we are talking about words and conversations at last?  We are human beings, and … Read more