The Principles of Dialogue

Here's a start to the psychology part of the Mookblog, as promised by the header. A very nice bit of pre-holiday family-feuding advice follows. It may look like a short list, but there's a lifetime of wisdom in this,

The Principles of Dialogue:


Listen
with all of your attention
with respect for everyone’s voice
without fixing, problem solving, advice giving


Suspend Certainty
don’t let “what you know” get the best of you
open to other possibilities


Hold the Space for Difference
let go of assumptions, or at least listen to them
let the space in the conversation emerge


Slow Down the Inquiry
let there be spaces between the speakers
let the space in the conversation emerge


Speak from your Own Awareness
what are you feeling/wondering right now?
speak your truth
make your words count


• Principles of Dialogue adapted from Sue Miller Hurst.
Courtesy of Heartland Institute www.heartlandinstitute.com