After a good chat with one of my colleagues this week I started reflecting on the value of conversations (or as we prefer to say in Trinidad - ‘ole talk’). The more I think about it the more I realize how critical conversations are to the development of many dimensions of our lives... and I am really referring to the traditional face to face conversations - the ones where we communicate not only the content of our dialogue (or sometimes monologue), but also the feelings and deeper value of what we speak.
So what makes conversations so valuable - well, here’s where we get an opportunity to share knowledge, ideas, thoughts... and to build on those ideas or refine them or maybe even change our original thinking. The great thing about the conversation is that it flows - it’s back and forth - call and response... and it is in the listening and responding that the new ideas, new ways of thinking, or consolidation of existing thoughts emerge.
I’m also thinking that the ‘conversational’ possibilities of learning; sharing; creative thinking; critical thinking; entertaining; appreciating... are defined by (but not limited by) those engaged in the conversation. The value of conversations with my children are as varied and potentially rewarding as conversations with my wife, colleagues, strangers... the real value being an awareness that this conversation is a valuable experience and as with most things, the value we get from it is only limited by the value we bring to it - and in the case of conversations, a value that is sincere, honest, meaningful, uninhibited engagement.
Looking forward to more sincere, honest, meaningful, uninhibited conversations with you.
+ve vibes,
Mark
