The day before my son left for college we started practicing our goodbye. I hugged him almost anytime I left his presence. He laughed at my silliness while agreeing that it would make the real “ Au Revoir” easier. We felt grateful to have found humor as a salve for apprehension. Goodbye to cooking family … Read more
When recently travelling to Spain, my husband and I with marginal Spanish abilities and a little effort enjoyed interactions wherever we explored. Sometimes our efforts translated into a bowl of green olives “on the house”! Although starting a conversation required some extra energy, the rewards were worth it, even if just for the smile and … Read more
Comfort food such as mashed potatoes, gravy and meatloaf reminds me of goodness, a dependable meal of solid kindness. Similarly, a conversation can be packed with goodwill reminiscent of homemade apple pie your sweet grandmother likes to serve. Thoughtful conversation ultimately means taking a “heart to heart” exchange to heart! There’s no beauty greater than … Read more
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space there is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. – Viktor Frankl, Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor. As Viktor Frankl reminds us, there is space in the back and forth of a conversation. Often it’s difficult … Read more
We’ve all been there…apprehensive about a difficult conversation, especially with someone who for whatever reason, “gets under our skin”. Will we communicate what’s true without creating offense? Can we keep our emotions and egos in check? What will be the outcome? At A Table In Time we help participants delve into deeper, more complicated “topics”, … Read more
At a recent cross-cultural, cross-faith event, hosts enthusiastically met each attendee at the door. Guests were coming together from different religious backgrounds and we wanted our greeting to put them at ease. For some it was the first time to be in a church. The sincere welcome created immediate comfort. How we invite someone “to … Read more
It’s always been a struggle to maintain a clutter free desk. Even in college I had a Peanuts’ sign that read “A messy desk is a sign of an uncluttered mind”. Not true. A recent study, however, found that a messy desk might, in fact, indicate creativity and innovative thinking. Albert Einstein is quoted as … Read more
In 2016 A Table In Time worked with a variety of clients in multiple venues. At each gathering, informal or formal, with or without food, and people meeting for the first time or learning more about one another, conversation unfolded beautifully! Why? Participants brought their best full selves to the table, listened exceedingly well, and … Read more
Although adding cinnamon sugar to morning toast works deliciously, I’m not talking about bread! Rather, the occasion to raise your glass to those with you at the table. According to author, Paul Dickson, “a toast is a basic form of human expression that can be used to convey virtually any human emotion from love to … Read more
Growing up I remember one of my friend’s mom always saying “that everything was wonderful” and actually feeling that perhaps things weren’t as good as professed. “Wonderful” feels full of hyperbole. Yet feeling inspired is within reach. How? When we recognize and trust the simple good in the universe. “Wonderfuls” might include listening to the … Read more