In the award-winning novel, A Little Life, by Hanya Yanagihara, two characters and dear friends, Willem and Jude, inspired me by their ability to conduct difficult conversations yet still maintain a strong love for one another. Jude, a victim of sexual assault, continually cuts himself as a way to pacify pain. Struggling to understand this … Read more
When political topics come up around the table, there can be an elephant in the room. One guest voices a strong opinion, maybe too verbosely, and others respond, but not everyone. There’s quiet and then another comment and again some silence, signaling that not everyone at the table agrees. The environment has changed. Guests feel … Read more
Some friends are very comfortable sharing their political views on Social Media, rallying others together, and expressing an opinion. I’m more reticent which isn’t to say that I don’t have an opinion. Frankly I can loose my sense of humor sometimes, which shuts down the conversation. And, I just don’t know all the facts! Although … Read more
Not too long ago, after stepping down as board chair of a local technology cohort, I sent a letter to my successor about transition plans. Although a strong leader, the success of our group relied on creating a cohesive membership experience. “As much as it’s important to have a plan with “next steps” and a … Read more
Technology can drastically inhibit our interactions even in unexpected places, like our neighborhood coffee shop. Yet connecting over coffee offers us the renewed chance to give our interactions more space. Plus coffee tastes so delicious! Hani Yaafori, owner of Steam Espresso Bar provides his take on the benefits and pleasure of gathering for coffee and … Read more
At the time, my friend kept telling me, “Go out for a glass of wine, even coffee, so that you can have some space for conversation.” Although I didn’t listen, looking back all these years later, she was right: I should have talked about the “tough stuff” with my manager and co-worker. When conversations don’t … Read more
Although June’s blog focuses on “getting out of our comfort zone”, my thoughts continue to dwell on how we create Pause, enough to regularly gather around the table. It’s not easy to slow down and un-automate! Perhaps the bigger question to ask is “Where is our quiet space at work, home, in life?” Laugh out … Read more
The minister doesn’t need to know that sometimes I create invite lists on the church program while listening to the sermon. When I’m sitting in a quiet place, a plethora of names pops into my mind. I “day dream” about engaged conversation around the table with a few or many friends. Although I’m constantly organizing … Read more
“Without my morning coffee I’m just like a dried up piece of roast goat.” – Johann Sebastian Bach[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][1] The Look of Conversation: Pausing over Coffee My favorite mug reads: “I’m in my happy … Read more
Often I have wondered how my work as a teacher overlaps with my conversational consulting at A Table In Time. As it turns out experiencing lunchtime with three and four year olds provides insights for how we as “grown-ups” might enable conversation over a meal. Let me explain. Once hands are washed, lunch boxes unzipped, … Read more