Conversation As A Transformational Practice

“Let’s stop talking about it and actually do something!”

Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever been frustrated with what seems like endless, pointless debate, that never actually leads to any real action?

In our last Meetup we explored some of the key trends that will affect us over the next 5 years in 3 domains of life. We also got a direct taste of the sense of stuckness and overwhelm that currently characterizes and paralyzes much of our political and cultural discourse, as well as our ability to feel like we are making a difference as individuals.

This group is a community of practice. What do we practice? Many things, but perhaps chief among them is having conversations that really, truly matter. And that does not just mean we have conversations about important topics. It means we have conversations that make a difference.

But what difference can a group of 12 people sitting in room, just talking to each other, have on these global, systemic issues?

Contemporary spiritual teacher Thomas Hübl says, “A new culture begins as excitement between a few people.”

How does that happen?

Consider the impact on Western civilization of the “salons” that flourished in Europe the 17th and 18th centuries - social gatherings in which individuals engaged in the art of conversation in the pursuit of knowledge and fellowship.

The emergence of salons allowed for a previously unheard of leadership and involvement for women, who often hosted and moderated the conversations. Women’s political power was likely not the explicit topic of conversation in every salon; but the result over time was a cascade of cultural, political, and systemic transformation we now know as “The Enlightenment.”

What new culture might be waiting and wanting to be born through us?

If we take that as a legitimate possibility, what can we do to support its realization?

For our third meetup, we will have a conversation about how we have conversations.

We will explore what it means to shift from talking “about” our experience to talking “from” our experience. We will explore the power of what might be the most essential practice - listening. We will explore the art and science of skillfully giving and receiving feedback.

We often frame this community of practice as being about doing the “inner work” of personal transformation that supports and enables the “outer work” of social transformation.

But another essential key is the “inter-work” - the relational practices that help us access the collective wisdom and creative power of the “We”.

Join us as we turn our attention towards the space between us, to discover what miracles might await...

Basic Agenda:
-- 6:20pm - Arrival
-- 6:30pm - Program Begins
-- 9:00pm - Program Ends

As always, our intention is to create a safe space for having conversations that matter, with curiosity and respect.

If you have any questions please send me a message. And feel free to bring guests - all are welcome!

PS - Thanks to our sponsors, Cloudport and the Portland Food Co-op!