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.