Conversare – inspirations and speculations
This post is inspired by two great thoughts, in my opinion, and what could be in yours too! Plus here are ‘speculations’ on potential applications arising from these thoughts which you may find of value for your purposes.
1. From my fine friend Suzanne Daigle, a constant ‘encourager’ of this Conversare experiment.
Suzanne, the convenor of the World Open Space on Open Space 2013 which I attended in St Petersburg, FL, in mid May, wrote recently to me to say that there have been truly astonishing developments since then in bringing the power and potential of Open Space Technology (OST) to wider audiences.
[as] “Open Space ignites this longing inside of us to be free, to choose, to go our “two feet” merry way. … Now I know everything is about to catapult to another level… quickly with an army of folks. I feel this readiness in the air.”
and these thoughts:
“Now why do I share this with you…now? Because I also know (without fully knowing) that Conversare is just as powerful and important. With people addicted to results, to predictability, to work, Conversare represents something completely opposite as if to teach us to enjoy life again, to be together, like really together and to get away from those addictive ways of work, of constant “no nothing” news and scarcity in an economic model that needs to be revamped and reinvented. Conversare allows us to just let go and be merry because under the surface, it’s all that matters.”
Suzanne’s lovely insights complement these of a person whose daily blogs invariably inspire me:
2. Seth Godin, who offered these thoughts on 3 July 2013
Is there anything more frightening than showing up (really showing up) in the place where you are unknown and alone?
All our warning systems are on high alert. From an evolutionary perspective, strangers represent danger. They are not only a direct threat, but carry the risk of rejection and all the insecurity that comes with it.
But the opposite can be true: Strangers can represent opportunity. The opportunity to learn, to make new connections, to build bridges that benefit everyone …
Do read the rest of Seth’s comments on what can emerge from connecting with strangers.
Conversare events are tailor made for the purpose of what both Suzanne and Seth have highlighted, which is for strangers to interact naturally, respectfully and joyfully. There is a host who helps set participants at their ease and everybody present does the same things – converses with a stranger and mixes informally with others too. Also these events are conducted in public places which means that anyone who attends is welcome, being a ‘right person’ for whatever happens in each of these ‘one off’ get togethers.
I wonder if you appreciate that there could be substantial benefits arising from recognition of the validity of Suzanne and Seth’s insights?
Also if you see that such benefits could emerge from bringing a Conversare approach to bear in a range of contexts in which participants recognise intuitively that ‘We are in this together and to treat each other well.’ And that one way of expressing this is to converse face to face in contexts in which all give of themselves by being interested in the others present.
Contexts in which Suzanne has ‘mused’ about earlier:
“Sometimes I ponder deeply about “Conversare” which is re-introducing the sheer joy of just being together to share, to laugh, to eat, [and perhaps also to sing and to dance]. No chores, no big problems, no strategy, no planned outcomes — just lots of intimate togetherness from which compassion, friendship, love and community emerge.”
Could there be opportunity for this kind of wholesome social encounter in contexts such as:
. orientation activities for students entering universities or for new recruits to other enterprises?
. neighbourhood or other community based activities as a way of getting to know each other more deeply?
. places in which people who wish to participate in rich conversation can do so?
. engaging with others who they may not know as a way of extending the range of their social circles?
. local neighbourhood cafes which are easily accessed during the day as a way of encouraging otherwise ‘stay at home people’ to get out and about more?
. activities in the early evening ‘after office hours’ period in which to enjoy lively company rather than going straight home to watch TV or play computer games?
And could initiating one or more of the above – or others that come to mind – create a whole new career option for people who have, or aspire to have, skills as a host/facilitator?
Is the Pope …? <smile>
Would you wish to add your comments on what you see as the potential value of setting up contexts such as those outlined above?
Looking forward
Alan Stewart
Adelaide
See my new e-booklet Time to converse – at the heart of human warmth
Which is about ‘Whenever we treat each other well good things happen.’
Please write a review if you feel moved to do so.
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