Conversare – special features which nourish the spirit

Here are several items which may intrigue and inspire you about Conversare events. See below too.*

1. The kind of experience to be had in these lively one to one, face-to-face gatherings, as expressed in these voices of insight down the ages?

“In my opinion, the most fruitful and natural play of the mind is in conversation. I find it sweeter than any other action in life; and if I were forced to choose, I think I would rather lose my sight than my hearing and voice. The study of books is a drowsy and feeble exercise which does not warm you up.”
Michel De Montaigne. French Philosopher who lived in 16C. 

Incidentally Montaigne also is quoted as saying that “I quote others in order to better express myself.” <smile>

and

Not just any talk is conversation
Not any talk raises consciousness
Good conversation has an edge
It opens your eyes to something
It quickens your ears

          And good conversation reverberates
It keeps on talking in your mind later in the day;
The next day, you find yourself still conversing with what was said
The reverberation afterward is the very raising of consciousness
Your mind has been moved
You are at another level with your reflections.
James Hillman. The soul’s code in search of purpose and calling

2. An imaginative and well considered perspective of why “the media we call social is anything but.”

Look Up by Gary Turk. With over 50 million views and nearly 50 thousand ‘Likes’.  Once you have seen and heard Gary’s creation you are likely to appreciate why he received so many heart felt responses.

3. I read recently an account of a gathering over a meal to pay tribute to people who had had significant achievements on an international stage. All of the people present worked in the same field and greatly admired what those to be honoured had done.

The emcee invited everyone to look around the room and “take notice of those who sit with you, consider who they are, what they have done and what they stand for.” And also to be aware of the gift of companionship over the meal.

In Conversare gatherings most participants do not know anything about the others present. Likely it is that few will have had high accomplishments on a global platform. Nonetheless it depends on the scale. On the scale of the local, the daily and the ‘ordinary’ everyone has contributed to the good and the lovely that exists, in their own inimitable way.

And so part of the essence of these events is to look around and muse about what you may discover particularly in the course of conversing with the person with whom you happen to share a meal. Be prepared to be surprised!

*  The time leading up to the official announcement of a new venue in which Conversare events will be staged in Adelaide is assuredly nigh. <smile>

Do these features of this novel way of being together give you a sense of emerging ‘wholesome stuff’?

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.  There is a prospect of a slightly adapted version of this book being printed in India.

“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