Resources for a Conversation:
THE POWER OF CONVERSATION

There is a difference between discussion and conversation. In discussion it's like the ball in a ping pong game. We hit it back and forth and there is a contest going on. Each person wants to win a point. Conversation is gentler. In conversation we come together to share our thoughts and feelings, to learn from each other's wisdom. In this kind of conversation we are open to each other and there is a possibility that we will be changed because we allow what the other says to enter into our heart. The following are some descriptors of life-giving conversations.
  • Mutual respect between us is essential.
  • We allow Allows time to really talk and reflect about what is important.
  • We listen Is characterized by listening even when there are differences between us.
  • It helps us  We accept and do not judge the other.
  • We explore questions that matter.
  • We strengthen Conversation strengthens our relationships.
  • We develop It develops shared meaning that wasn't there before we began.
  • We expect enter it expecting to learn something new and important.
  • Conversation strengthens mutual commitment and catalyzes action.
    It catalyzes action.

Our ability to have conversations like this depends on our attentiveness to our ongoing spiritual journey and our openness to conversion. The following are some things we can do to help our conversations be more fruitful.

  • Know when your "buttons" are being pushed and you tend to move to a defensive posture.
  • Learn how to refocus when your vision is distorted by defensiveness.
  • Cultivate curiosity about the other, about different points of view, about yourself.
  • Be as open as possible to other points of view.
  • Keep focused on the reason for the conversation.

Materials here prepared by Sr. Nancy Westmeyer, a Franciscan from Tiffin Ohio, who is skilled in helping parish based groups have conversations. Contact her at nancyw@totalink.net


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