Engaged in Conversation

Today I was able to spend a little bit of time connecting with a gentlemen at work. What started out as an intentional 'work' related meeting turned into a great conversation. After we got through the so called business, our conversation moved from personal experiences and what's coming up in the future to what we intentionally chose to have surrounding us in our own spaces to community life and relationships we have with one another. It was a really positive experience and an hour well spent I would say. There is so much to be gained by taking the time to connect with one another face to face whenever we possibly can.

I find that with my work so much of it revolves around conversation. And getting to know one another and what we like and don't like, and who we are as individuals and in relationship with one another. It's so important to take that time and to not be in a hurry to rush off to get something else done. But to really engage with one another.

I feel like I am constantly coming back to this idea. And it's interesting because I have discovered that while I am a very relational person I don't particular care to be around a lot of people at once. I prefer to talk with folks one on one and I can be fully engaged and responsive. When I am in a group of people I find that I typically sit back and let the conversation happen around me. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm not paying attention, it's just what I've learned to do. I enjoy listening to other people's thoughts and ideas and if I have something to add then I will, but typically I'm simply a presence without a lot to say.

My somewhat limited international travel has taught me some of this. To not focus on the work at hand, but to take the time to sit down and talk and discuss and learn and grow. You don't simply approach someone and ask them for a cup of sugar or an egg or for the latest report. But you take the time to ask how they are. How their family is. And their work. And then, maybe, you ask for that thing you initially came searching for.

In many ways this is our work, or at least maybe it should be. To show interest through, and to be engaged in conversation, is a way that we all have something in common with one another. The ability to show compassion and caring and love, and that ultimately we are all the same. To find common ground and then build on it. To be able to talk with one another and be open is the beginnings to...well, to almost everything.

Being Intentional

So my writing this year hasn't been the great. In fact, it has been almost non-existent! I don't know if it will change, but I'm going to try a bit harder to be more intentional about writing.

I find myself referring to many things that I hope to do as 'intentional.' I don't know why or when this shift has changed. But I find myself saying things like "when I live in the city I hope to be more intentional about..." this or the other thing. You know, like not eating out as much, buying my groceries more locally, being more aware of how to live a green lifestyle, walking or taking public transportation as much as possible and finding work so that is possible. The list could go on and on.

I think this is one thing being in BVS has showed/taught me. By being introduced to people who care about being intentional with one another, with the world, with life, with creation. All those individuals played a part in shaping the person I am now, and the person I want to be when I'm not longer officially a volunteer. So I am hoping to take this with me and introduce others to this way of living as well. Including my future roommate! It will be an adventure to see how our lives connect and how we are able to push and encourage one another in the different lives we've been leading. But I'm looking forward to living intentionally with one other person, who happens to be a good friend of mine. And to set up shop in the city of Chicago. It's gonna be a good time. :)