I did not grow up with cell phones, social media, or electronics as my main source of communication. It was a different world in the ’60s, ’70s, and even the ’80s.
Today, there is information overload, communication via text/email, and a culture that has practically eliminated the art of conversation. If you are of the older generation, I will bet when you attempt to talk to someone today it can be much more difficult than it was in the past.
I believe we all know the WHY.
What I observe is a lack of true connection, a conversation that is an exchange of thoughts, ideas, perceptions, and opinions, which may or may not be on the same wavelength.
Consider the increase in stress, anxiety, worry, and fear.
As a Breakthrough S.P.A.R.K. coach, my experience teaches me if we look beyond the external world with a focus on what is within, we can break through the barriers that create the blocks for real and true conversation.
There is an addiction today to generate attention, yet no one is really listening.
People half listen, don’t listen at all, or runs in circles causing immense confusion. Perceptions are blinded by the mental anguish of the tug of war going on in the mental mind and the heart-mind.
The good news is we have the strength, power, and ability to overcome the lost art of communication.
You may ask HOW?
Glad you asked! For me, it is rather simple:
- Slow down
- Listen with an open mind and heart
- Ask questions
- Go through the process of peeling layers
- Understand to be understood
- Be open to learning something new
- Let go of judgment
- Have a real conversation
I know we all want a better world than what has evolved over our lifetimes. We must be part of the solution and it begins with mastering the art of conversation. What we leave behind us as a legacy for generations to come, will reflect who we are now and who we have become as a nation and a world.
What did you love about your childhood?
What makes you smile when you think back on your life?
What brings you joy and happiness?
What one change can you make in conversations to be the difference in the shift needed at this time?
Remember, everyone comes into a conversation with their own personal experience that we may not have any clue about. This holds true in both home life and professional life. Be present with others and watch your world transform….
Very thought provoking my friend.
Thank you! You know I like to cause people to go…hmmmmm. And see things from new perspectives!
Conversation is an encounter, a way of getting to know each other, of recognizing each other, a way to become familiar with the other. Conversation is the first step and then the nourishment of any relationship.
Conversation (also dialogue or interview) evolves into communication, which is the “sharing” of ideas or feelings, and can become a relationship, that is, a bond. Which in turn is fueled by repeated communications and conversations.
Conversation is the fuel of any bond between relatives, friends, colleagues, lovers. For this to happen, a precondition is needed: the reciprocal enhancement between different subjects. We converse among subjects who have different lives, opinions, cultures, needs and feelings, but who feel interest and curiosity for each other. Not only does the conversation involve enhancement, it is also a confirmation of it. Being interested and curious about the interlocutor is an immediate way to recognize their value. Conversing and talking to someone means sending the message that this someone has an identity and a value, which we are interested in.
Today, the conversation is moribund and therefore relationships are also not very well. The reason for the decline of the conversation lies precisely in the low value attributed to the other, which in turn depends on the immeasurable or the lowest value attributed to oneself. We are not interested in others either because we are too interested in ourselves or because we consider ourselves too uninteresting to contribute to a dialogue or bond.
Aldo,
Yes, agree! The nourishment is so important. Absolutely, the sharing that leads to deeper conversation. Ahhh…reciprocal enhancement, not sure too many have this, why there becomes disconnect. Yes, showing interest and being curious….”tell me more about that!” They will feel important and they matter.
Totally agree about today’s relationships! We can talk about this forever! However, I am doing my best to shift this and create better communication and conversations between people. A work in progress….
Thank you for your insights and thoughts! Much appreciated!
Great conversation topics, Eileen, or Google the 36 love questions and start from one end – probably the low end with people you don’t know that well.
I have a couple of walking buddies and even if we don’t solve all the problems in the world, usually our weekly couple of hours result in one or both taking something home that leads to an article, a change in LI profile, a project solution,… but above all a sense of having been a valued friend. And we never know in advance where the discussion will go.
Thank you Charlotte! I’ll definitely check out 36 love questions.
I love the idea of having a walking buddy, a great way to bring through ideas, thoughts, nuggets and solutions. Getting “out of the box” of a building to free the mind to be creative and innovative. That is the best part, no idea where the conversation may go….
This was excellent info. I was born in 1958 so I grew up in that era too. Today its true I’m busy . We didnt have cell phones and computers when i grew up. We didnt even have a TV untill i was like 11 yr old.
Eva, thank you for reading and happy you found it worthwhile! I would like to think you had more of that childlike wonder of exploring, questioning and engaging without distractions. We can still have that today, the benefit being clarity, understanding and a sense of inner peace giving us the opportunity to truly enjoy life and our experiences. Would you agree?