changes in relations
The purpose of a conversation is not merely to exchange ideas, but to lead to significant changes in the relations of living beings.
:- Doug.
Archive for November 15th, 2022
How to tell?
Being fully there for someone is difficult and strenuous work. I had a conversation yesterday with P. We talked about his work, about philosophy (a shared interest), about books. Was I really and wholly there for him? I don’t know just yet how to tell. I was working to connect what I knew of him to what I might ask next. I did a little mirroring, but did not remember to try labeling of emotions. I could next conversation work more on finding the other person’s side. What was he trying to say; what was behind that? P spoke of being overly literal: where did that come from? Was he self-editing or self-commenting in order to be approachable, or to be humble, or to be self-deprecating, or to examine himself more? I cannot know him: I can only meet him, thus seek to know him better. For I cannot even know myself.
:- Doug.
