Wisdom Conversation: Dave Barrett and Julian Powe

Our series of brief conversations and blog posts continues, exploring the notion of wisdom in the 2020s!

Hosted by the Primrose Hill Golden Civilisation Conversation community,  we have taken the following motif to guide our exploration:

 ‘What might we ask most of our wisdom in these challenging times? As individuals, as families, as communities, as organisations, as society more broadly?’

 Do listen to Dave Barrett’s deep thinking exposition of ‘Wise Conversation’ -the sixth in our series, hard on the heels of George Kinder’s extraordinary exploration of ‘The Map of Mindfulness and the Impermanence of the Present Moment’. Perfect timing as our capacity to converse well is absolutely core to our ability to be fully present and wise with others and ourselves.

And Dave is so worth listening to! After a long career in conservation, Dave now dedicates his working life to the art of conversation, operating in the hugely demanding world of conflict resolution, mediation and organisational healing. In 25 minutes, Dave:

  • Situates conversation in a world of increasing pressure, polarised difference and deep stresses and strains for relationships

  • Invites us to think about the quality of our inner and outer listening – ‘to recover meaning’

  • Underlines the importance of simplicity to assure understanding

  • Outlines five elements in courageous conversation

  • Emphasises ‘turn-taking’ as the lubricant of powerful conversation

  • And invites us all into a two week challenge with specific steps to attend to the wisdom and quality of our conversation

Thank you so much Dave! Invigorating and deeply insightful on how we can all improve the quality of our conversation with others and ourselves.  Please do connect with Dave at dave@turningmoment.co.uk and www.turningmoment.co.uk - it is well worth doing! Not least for great conversation!

Many thanks to all those listening and do please take care. Next up ‘The Wisdom of Hope’ and ‘The Wisdom of the Science of Well-Being’. Can’t wait!