Better Conversations

I am currently in Oklahoma City for some meetings and had the chance to do a little exploring in the city yesterday, which included visiting the site and museum of the Oklahoma City bombing incident from 1995. Part of that community's recovery process from that tragedy was to learn from what went wrong and work to change the conversations we can have together as humans. One of those efforts includes this booth they have set up in the beautiful gardens that are part of their memorial.

When I sat down inside of it with my partner, here is what we saw in front of us.

I realize you may not be able to read all of that fine print, so here is the link to their website that explains more about this project www.memorialmuseum.com/betterconversations.

As we sat and read these words in front of us, we both looked up at each other and said, "We need one of these in our town!" The more I thought about it, the more I think we need one of these booths in every town in our world! So, for this week's reflection, I simply offer you their words. These are their 6 Grounding Virtues that guide their project of creating Better Conversations. As you read them, think about the ways in which you might use them in your life.

Words That Matter - The words we use shape how we understand ourselves, how we interpret the world, how we treat others.

Hospitality - Hospitality is a bridge to all the great virtues, but it is immediately accessible. You don’t have to love or forgive or feel compassion to extend hospitality.

Humility - Humility is a companion to curiosity, surprise, and delight. Spiritual humility is not about getting small. It is about encouraging others to be big.

Generous Listening - Listening is more than being quiet while others have their say. It is about presence as much as receiving; it is about connection more than observing.

Patience - Human transformation takes time — longer than we want it to — but it is what is necessary for social transformation. A long, patient view of time will replenish our sense of our capacities and our hope for the world.

Adventurous Civility - Civility, in our world of change, is about creating new possibilities for living forward while being different and even continuing to hold profound disagreement.

Here's to having Better Conversations!

Be Well,

Stephen

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