Conversare – an answer to many peoples’ queries, wants and needs

For those not familiar with the nature of these new kind of social events have a look at Converse – what it is.

Here are comments and queries which have recently come to my attention:

. Lately I’m noticing that people are absolutely starved for genuine connection with other humans. Or, so it seems…

. The author James Salter, who died recently, wrote a book with his wife Kay entitled ‘Life and Meals’. In this they emphasised that the enjoyment of a meal comes from not just the food, but the company, the ambience and the conversation.

. Are there social gatherings in which having meals together happens in a way in which everybody present participates – and contributes – fully?

. When you are a newcomer to a city how do you get to meet people who have lived there all of their lives?

. “I find that what is missing these days is the sheer lack of charm. Few people seem to know how show genuine interest in others. Or to engage in fine, subtle joking which enlivens conversation.”

. Is a reason for many shopping centres closing in the USA is that they are not convivial places, not designed to encourage people to come to socialise with people they do not know?

These thoughts underly the invention of this way of socialising and its application. Now about to be staged in a place which is in the heart of the city of Adelaide and is ‘tailor made’ for it. Confirmation is assured to be coming soon! <smile>

 

 

 

 

 

 

To let you know – or remind you – what needs are met by participating in this kind of social event.

These are very broad groupings, among which are needs of people who:

1. wish to open up their lives

And who appreciate that one way of doing this is to meet people from different walks of life, different first languages and whose stories they could not imagine.

2. are adventurous spirits

These are people who recognise that this interesting new way of socialising could be an adventure into the unknown, being different from how they usually relate to the world around them and with the potential to have unexpected outcomes.

3.  are in a transition phase of their lives

In our modern, globalizing world, this covers a large proportion of the population!

Among this group are people who are new to an area or have taken on a new job. Or are separated, divorced, bereaved, whose children have started school, experiencing an ‘empty nest’ syndrome …

4.  desire a break periodically from their digital connecting

These, likely mainly younger people, could see coming away from their screens to have face-to- face conversations would be a release from or, at least, a complement to these.

These events make possible good personal connecting among people who normally do this online.

5.  enjoy meeting new people

For many, this very difficult to do. One reason for this is that inner cities, suburbs and buildings such as apartment blocks are not designed to enable residents to ‘bump into’ neighbours. Another is that they find existing ways of socialising to be unsatisfying.

6. are new to where they now live, perhaps as migrants, refugees or asylum seekers

These events provide an opportunity to meet (already) local people as well as others from different parts of the world. And know they are in a context in which everyone who comes along is welcome.

7.  are hungry for meaningful conversation

These may be people who know personally that this is one of the joys of life and are on the lookout for where it happens naturally and easily. These people appreciate that conversations matter and that good conversation leads to wise action.
And that becoming more confident of their skills as conversationalist could be of benefit to themselves and to others with whom they connect.

8.  like the idea of engaging with people of different ages 

World views of people of different ages are influenced markedly by their direct experience.  For example some can remember times pre TV and the changes to socialising its introduction brought about. Younger people have increasing access to social media and other digitally mediated devices which become integral to their ways of communicating. Cross generational interaction enables deeper understanding of others’ perspectives on life and may bring useful mutual learning.

9.  are socially isolated

There are many factors which underly feelings of loneliness in people arising from being socially isolated, across the age spectrum. Among these are older people; those recently retired and adjusting to their new lives and those long retired. These people may feel isolated, invisible and lacking in confidence in themselves. And who are becoming frail and not feeling up to engaging in the kinds of socializing they did previously.

Could taking a look at the principles and values which underpin Conversare gatherings give you a deeper understanding of how they may be just what you are looking for?

Looking forward

Alan Stewart, PhD
Adelaide

PS Here again are more comments recently received which you may also perceive as being delightful!

. On the new print edition of my book Time to converse – at the heart of human warmth.

“I enjoy the way in which the book can be opened at any page, anytime and there is conversation and not a little wisdom!  (and CCD and con-doms – very funny).”
Elspeth Findlay

On the experience of participating in a Conversare event.

“The room was filled with people of all ages in a way that felt natural and as if we had all come home. The dialogue was engaging, but the overall feel of being part of a greater joining is what comes to mind.”
Karen Head

“It was a great exchange and a new understandings and unexpected connections emerged.”
Juanita Brown

“Bringing people together in a free wheeling manner such as you offer is so valuable. I know from the various events you hosted in Hong Kong. It encourages people to look at new things and ideas and avoid the tendency to be confined to one career approach or mentality as you meet people from all sectors and cultural backgrounds…and variety is the spice of life!”
Vonnie Boston

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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