Words That Encourage #4

Welcome to the 4th Words That Encourage newsletter. This week we consider how conversations can move fresh hope, joy and generosity among us.

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i) Empowering Conversations

An empowering conversation will lift and animate your spirit. This week I met with a friend of a friend over coffee. A wise mentor-like figure, “Sam” offered great quality of presence to me. Over 80 minutes, Sam drew out deep hopes and desires from a fresh point of view. I walked away with resolve for next steps.

Our conversation was satisfying because it involved a strong sense of mutuality:

• a commitment to listen to the other;

• a mutual sharing regarding what matters;

• a desire to understand what the other is saying;

• a safe space for openness of mind and heart;

• a natural respect for each other;

• a curiosity about the other – her/his experiences, insights and perspectives;

• an openness to the conversation’s creative flow as we create it together.

In the wisdom traditions, conversation is an important space of encounter which opens doors into transformation. Such encounters allow persons to gather a shared sense of life, and so enrich their imagination of what’s possible.

ii) Communal Transformation

In the big picture, cultures of conversation challenge an argue-first approach to our public life. When we look at news “debates”, too often powerful voices are given the victory. Similarly, power divides families, communities, societies against persons or groups considered less important.

In this context, community organising based social movements invite each volunteer to tell part of their story to others: an empowering narrative about what now compels their participation. People who have been heard take heart that their voice matters.

Generous listening and conversation equips us to be part of the slow transformation of our families, communities and societies. Such conversations plant seeds for a more generous, joyful and hope-filled world.

iii) Uplifting Music

Revival – Gregory Porter via YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music. Gregory Porter is a Jazz musician with extraordinary heart, range and warmth. I first heard Porter after asking friends for music to play at my 30th birthday party. This song is a favourite: “You lift me higher, out of that fire, out of the flames. I lost the feeling, but you give me meaning, again”.

A Pile of Dust (Arr. Rimmer) – Jóhann Jóhannsson; sung by Voces8 via YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music. Jóhann Jóhannsson was an Icelandic composer who wrote neo-classical music for film and life (read an account of his best music here).

Have a great weekend,James