What we’re about
People who want to explore together their own direct experience(ing) and share points of view. All persons are welcome - Varied religious, spiritual, philosophical, ethnic, cultural, educational and vocational backgrounds. Freedom of thought and expression are valued greatly.
Normally a topic is presented briefly at beginning of the meeting followed by engaging dialogue and conversation. There is no designated expert, no guru, no leader/ moderator per se. Diversity of perspective and opposing points of view are frequently expressed and the value of each person expressing their point of view is acknowledged.
A major aim of this group is to engage in dialogue while maintaining the freedom to be ourselves and honestly say how we think and feel. In order to do this in a helpful way, conversations are undertaken in the spirit or sense of dialogue rather than that of argument and debate.
In dialogue, there is an emphasis on listening to understand, in debate one listens to find flaws in the other side's argument to counter back and win. In dialogue, an open exploration is primary, in debate one only reaffirms and protects one's own conclusions and point of view. In dialogue assumptions, conclusions and beliefs are explored in open consideration, in debate assumptions, conclusions and beliefs are defended as truth or fact.
An equally important emphasis of this group is to be aware of one's own immediate direct perception and experience, as opposed to simply referring to what someone else has thought, said or wrote. Narrative from outside sources considered "facts" or "truth" are welcome but not to be taken without looking to one's own experience. This emphasis is meant to encourage one to extricate oneself from solely focusing on intellectual or conceptual "knowing", and to access a more natural, healing, or life-affirming way of being.
What is, or what is true or meaningful is a theme often explored in dialogue at our meetings. As are thoughts related to life, self, awareness, consciousness, perception, thought, relationship, love, compassion and the like. These topics often arise in one way or another, either directly or indirectly. Also explored frequently is the meaning of the words in the group's title - dialogue and human experience(ing).
