OPEN CONVERSATIONS
I have the privilege of witnessing and participating in open conversations among our future leaders of the world. Freely questioning and sharing with each other in search of understanding. Children learn what to say and what not to say from us.
What makes us stop having open conversations on a daily basis?
RESPONSE
It’s at this point where our response is critical. We either encourage an open dialogue by trying to connect or we shut it down to prevent an emotional response. Brick by brick a wall is built and open conversations start to happen less and less.
What makes us stop having open conversations on a daily basis?
TIME
We schedule our lives to the last micro-sleeping-second. It’s the side eye instead of a moment to address what was said or done. It’s rules that are black and white instead of grey where mistakes can lead to learning.
How can we have open conversations on a daily basis?
LISTEN
We need to find the time to provide thoughtful questions and responses to have open conversations. We need to step outside of our own egos to really hear and understand.
How can we have open conversations on a daily basis?
REFLECT
In an over scheduled world, we need to schedule time not to have something scheduled. I think that giving our future leaders of the world time to linger and reflect on experiences will positively affect the social and emotional intelligence of everyone. Whether it’s the overall experience or important details of what was said and done; they might just end up having a common understanding that lifts everyone up to reach their fullest emotional potential.
What’s the least that could possibly happen?
REDUCE
It might reduce implicit bias, judgement, rumors, bullying, teasing, ignorance, hate and even killings for the future leaders of the world and us.
Free Your Mind Writing 
Yes, I agree that we must make time for open conversations with children. They are the key to a more fair and just future. I learned about Restorative Practices yesterday, and your post adds more to my thinking!
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I hadn’t heard of that before. Do you have any recommendations for learning more about restorative practices?
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Here is one place to start. https://canada.iirp.edu/ Restorative circles is another term associated with the practice.
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I love to call them grand conversations. We need them more than ever. The time is now. Thank you!
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I like the line about stepping outside of our egos to really listen. So often we are waiting for our turn to speak rather than really listening to the other person.
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