I’ve recently been working with a young colleague and noticed that she communicates mostly by text messages, twitter length email, or Facebook comment. Operating in a world where “Pardon my brevity” is becoming the norm, I find it difficult to have a clear and authentic exchange with her and others who largely rely on “sound bite” communication.  The result has been a working relationship that has been full of assumptions, misunderstandings and frustration.  I long for, and truly need, old-fashioned dialogue and verbosity, a slower, more thoughtful, give-and-take, which allows for greater understanding and connection.

I have stepped into the world of social media with mixed feelings, wondering what is interesting enough to post and what is worthy enough of my time to read. I spend way too much time scanning posts that include everything from the uninteresting to the absurd—still, there are enough gems of fun videos, inspirational quotes and the occasional interesting dialogue to keep drawing me in. I do understand that what some people find trivial, others find engaging. Also, what at first seems mundane may be a first step in a longer conversation. .

Despite all this, I keep feeling I want something more. While Facebook (and Twitter) is a new and sometimes fun option, for me it is no substitute for more meaningful conversation.

From my recent experience with social media style communication and its resulting lack of  deeper connection, I realize that I want to talk with people in a more authentic way.  I love to share ideas, connect energetically and emotionally and feel the hope, joy and sorrow that we all experience in our lives.  I want to hear the stories and dreams of those who are making a difference in the world.  I want to connect on a more honest level than we have historically done in “polite society”. What I am looking for is an “Enlightened Dialogue,” the kind that is found when hearts are open, trust is present, and true connection is desired.

With this in mind, I invite you to join me in Enlightened Dialogue.  If this idea intrigues you, simply schedule time on the phone, on Skype, or at a coffee shop for us to sit down, share and listen to each other.

How to get started? I use a great scheduling tool where we can skip the time-consuming scheduling roulette game.  Please check out my Genbook calendar and choose “Enlightened Dialogue.”  I look forward to meeting you – face-to-face or voice-to-voice.  But mostly, heart to heart.

Blessings, Diane

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 19th, 2010 at 7:53 pm and is filed under Articles, Awakened Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.