Conversations that might normally not take place.

Have you been in a conversation with someone that you didn't expect to converse with? What did it take for you to sit and "be" with this person in this conversation? What came up for you? Is it possible, that the time we take to be in a conversation with others, can have greater impact than we might expect?

So, I was sitting with a co-worker, after work today, and discussing various ideas including what it means to take a stand for what we believe in, how society and individuals of today differ from those of 50 years ago or more, to our teachers and what are kids learn from them, here in the United States, and more. We differed in opinion to various degrees, but what came to mind for me was what it could mean for her and for me to be in that conversation, in that moment.

With people that you normally spend time with, what has the conversations you've had with them, meant for you? Were you able to connect with that person? Is it possible for you to connect with people that you normally would not connect with? What would it mean if people the world over made the effort to connect with others that they normally do not connect with? How could it change the world? How do you think we can influence change in this respect?

How does it feel for you to feel heard by another, whether you are close to them or not? Particularly when you feel that they don't have an agenda in the conversation. In other words, what does it mean for you to just be listened to? Have you every been in a conversation with someone that truly listened to you, didn't judge, and didn't feel it necessary to get their two sense in? How did you feel afterwards?

Could we drastically improve international relationships by merely shifting the ways we look at others that are dissimilar from us, as well as the ways that we engage in dialogue?

Can the impact we have in this world, in our relationships, be even greater, based on HOW we show up in our interactions/conversations with other human beings?

Please comment with your experiences and how they address these questions?