Conversare matters – two stories

For what Conversare is see here.

To book places in next Conversare in the Market events  see Forthcoming Events

 

Here’s a bit of fun!

To do with two stories related to what is now evolving with Conversare. Which, if they touch a chord in you, may prompt you to act in ways outlined below.

The first is about encounters with a person who happens to be in town at present as a star performer in the Adelaide Fringe. The second relates to an outcome of an opportunity taken to submit a question in a session called ‘What’s love got to go with it’? which was a component of ‘The Planet Speaks’ part of Womadeaide.

Penny Arcade is one of the liveliest and ‘sassiest’ people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.  A real ‘New Yorker’ from a rough side of town who has survived and thrived, wonderfully. Her show ‘Longing Last Longer’ – an amazing, most memorable experience by many peoples’ accounts, on until March 14 is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of the current Adelaide Fringe Festival. See this review

And if you enjoy tough minded fine writing see too her piece on Trump and the Golden Age of Stupidity

In one of Penny’s performances which I attended she invited members of the audience to connect with her on email. Which I did and mentioned what was now happening with Conversare in the Market. Her prompt and enthusiastic has led to several delightful get togethers – in the space where the events are held – during one of which she graciously offered to make a statement of support. See it here.

On her perspective of the experiment on what is now taking hold after trading hours on week day nights in the Adelaide Central Market. The place about which Aaron Brumby, General Manager, says, “Traders and stall holders become part of the family. And Conversare is integral to this.”

 

Here is the preamble to the second story. It’s to do with a session of Planet Talks – a feature of Womadelaide in Adelaide, which was named ‘What’s love got to do with it’? Among the panellists was David Suzuki.

From what I heard the focus of the speakers was on ‘Love the environment in all its glory, clean air, water, soil  –  some human created such as balcony gardens – and what we can do about issues such as climate change’. All well and good.

I took the opportunity, at the end, to pose the question “What about loving each other?” And mentioned the work of psychologist Barbara Fredrickson and her idea that we can love the person who happens to be in front of us, albeit fleetingly. See The One You’re With: Barbara Fredrickson On Why We Should Rethink Love

I also mentioned that the former president of the USA, Jimmy Carter has said:

“You only have to have two loves in your life; for God, and for the person in front of you at any particular time.”

The second story.  A person who had been a colleague over 20 years ago happened to be sitting next to me at this session. Immediately after it finished he said, “This relates to your question. I was on a flight in the US with my family. On board was President Carter. While we were in the air he walked along the aisle and shook hands with everyone.”

Which brings to my mind that in forthcoming Conversare events all present will be invited to do the same, before the meal is served,

To conclude:

To understand the essence of the kind of social gatherings now on offer see Conversare – what is it? And to note what is under way at the Market, in the heart of the city see

How does this resonate with you lucky Adelaidians who have this opportunity on your doorstep?  The next two events are on 16 March and 5 April, 2016.

And what may you, the rest of humanity all around our little planet, 3rd from the sun, make of what’s percolating here Downunder?  Do you a deep seated feeling that this is something which could be trialed where you live, perhaps in local cafes, restaurants, hotels, community centres?

Being fully aware this is not your usual kind of MeetUp event. For there is no topic to address, no speaker to introduce something to talk about.

It is about turning to one another to have conversation over a fine meal with someone you have not met. In a context in which whoever comes is the right people and all present treat other with respect.  Sound scary? Not at all for everybody in the room is doing the same.

Here’s a comment of a recent participant:

“The context was one of mutual permission to talk freely, with no agenda
with people of any age, gender, occupation or background,
and I found it very refreshing and liberating,
and it has broken the ice for me regarding totally accidental or incidental
encounters with people anywhere.
The informality and inclusiveness gave a warmth and positive feeling of
well-being.
Free talking without borders!”
Andrew Booth

To be clear too that this is a ‘for profit’ enterprise. For there is a great depth of background to hosting and managing these events – especially to being pioneers in this enterprise –  from which we wish to earn our keep.  With the idea in mind that we are happy to train others in these twin skills, on the premise that they – in combination – are just being born and could be the basis for new careers of people who recognise the opportunity they offer. Particularly as they extend the range of skills of those who are familiar with conversational processes such as The Art of Hosting, the World Café and Open Space Technology.

We look forward to having you locals along to participate in these events to experience what they mean to you and potentially others with whom you associate here and elsewhere.

Or wherever you reside might you comment by email or on this post to say that you appreciate knowing of the innovative opportunity to meet and greet in the Central Market at night and potentially in public spaces anywhere?

Do you sense intuitively that this could be a lot of fun!

Looking forward.

Go well

Alan

 

Alan Stewart, PhD
Social Artist
Facilitator of conversations that matter and participatory fun
Web: Multimind Solutions
Blog: Conversare

Book: Time to converse – at the heart of human warmth   Comments on this may also resonate with you.

 

 

Samone Wear
Event Manager
W| www.platinumeventagency.com
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