Conversare – we are all in this together

See here for forthcoming Conversare in the Market events. Everybody who feels that they are eligible for a concession ticket is welcome to have one.

You like minded spirits who follow this blog will likely appreciate that the new kind of dining events in the Adelaide Central Market at night are proving to be both popular and highly enjoyable.  And understand why several ‘stalwarts’ choose  to keep returning  for more!

For you who are are new to this site, see here for just what Conversare is. From this you may come to recognise both what happens when all who come mix freely with others and have reportedly most satisfying experiencing. And also the feeling of wonder of being in this remarkable place –often described by Adelaidians as ‘Our beloved Central Market ‘ – which we have to ourselves on weekday evenings.

Seeking and listening to comments of participants about why they come and what participating means to them brings up these reflections:

. The gatherings are GREAT  FUN.  It’s astonishing to see how much smiling happens in them!

. These event provide a wonderful way of connecting with each other, quite different to anything else experienced.  Provides the opportunity to do what we don’t find elsewhere – have rich,  satisfying and authentic face to face conversation.

. Engaging in pairs over the meal means that everyone present is a full participant.  Nobody feels left out.

. The delight in meeting new people whose ways of living and life experiences are quite different from mine.

. Much of the time I feel quite isolated. Coming to Conversare changes this.

. This Conversare project is an eminently sensible idea.

The Market at night is a most marvellous place for these social gatherings, easy to access by public transport and no problems with parking for those who come by car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gouger Dining Area ready for Conversare in the Market after trading hours

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conversare under way

For ‘testimonials’ from participants in recent events in the Market and earlier in Hong Kong see Feedback.

The  sentiments above are leading to increasing diversity in the participants.  Now there is every likelihood of newcomers to Adelaide – among whom are migrants and students from Asia – joining in.  

Another kind of feedback is that we are receiving requests to set up these events in two suburbs in Adelaide. And advice and guidance of how to do this from someone who wants to do this in Armidale in New South Wales, Australia.

Looking to the wider picture, what do you think of the prospects of adopting the Conversare process as a preamble to a conference?  Perhaps the night before the start of the main event? I have been to numerous conferences in which this kind of ‘getting to know others’ and ‘feeling that we are here to participate fully’ did not happen.  Even at conferences of professional facilitators!

With the underlying premise made clear by the organisers the plenary sessions are the ‘appetisers’.  And that the main event is the conversations among delegates – who are the most important persons to be present.  Could having a Conversare event at the outset help to make this clear?

A personal reflection. Several years ago I had the remarkable opportunity to visit Charles Darwin’s home, Down House, not far from London, UK. Where I saw the room in which he did his writing and had conversations with people who encouraged him to continue with his great work on his theory of evolution.  I also went on his sandwalk – his ‘thinking path’ – something he did every day for over 40 years. Two lovely little videos give a sense of this place and its significance for how he changed our perception of who we human being as are and our place e in the whole scheme of life.  See here and here .

From this experience I have come to appreciate that the passion which fired Darwin’s belief in life’s unity was his commitment to the abolition of slavery. His ‘Sacred Cause’ arose from his personal conviction in the brotherhood of races – whether animals, plants or people.

Likely it is that co-creating contexts in which anyone who wishes to participate in conversation over a meal with a stranger is welcome is underpinned by similar conviction.

Looking forward

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.

 

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Event Manager
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