How can we hold the space for authentic conversation?

I have found myself deep in contemplation about how we can hold the human space with each other during these times when there is heightened fear, strong views and triggered emotions.

The surface narratives are varied and unique as we navigate our way through these extraordinary experiences we call ‘life.’?

The meaning we make at any moment is a reflection of our life’s training to date:

• Our biases
• Our assumptions
• Our beliefs
• Our conditioning
• Our wounding
• Our humanness

It’s all very natural.

While, at the core of our unique human narratives, I feel is an offering.

An offering for us to pause and take a moment to connect to what is arising in ourselves.

An offering of insight for what we may not have been able to see in ourselves before our moments of being triggered.

An offering of stepping forward through our own actions of holding the space for authentic conversation in ways that may help give space for others to feel the same.

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So, what are authentic conversations?

?For me, this is an endless curiosity. I feel my understanding will continue to be ever evolving as I learn and grow.

While, for now, my working definition is:

To be present with curiosity is to be without judgment.

• There is no right or wrong. There is difference. There is uniqueness.

The ability to be compassionately present with someone with a different perspective is held in the context of shared intention for the highest good for all.

• I would suggest our shared intention for our collective highest good is often boiled down to common humanity like: freedom, harmony, peace etc. And, at its core in its humanity is the notion of in you, I see me.

The feeling of being heard and seen is sourced from within.

• We are not needing validation from those around us as our offering is for the highest good for all. Not about whether others accept our points of view. This, in my view, is courage.

All of which, is based in the foundation of love, not fear.

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We can all help each other lead the way.

Sometimes it can feel like we’re caught in this never-ending cycle of judgment, emotion and opinions.

These moments may feel uncomfortable – natural and human. We can feel like we’d rather sweep it all under the carpet or retreat to our Netflix binge.

While, to me they are an opening. The discomfort gives us an opportunity to acknowledge what is going on within ourselves.?

If we can pause when we feel our own discomfort and explore it with curiosity and love, we create possibility of learning more about what is triggered in ourselves.

With this possibility, we can enter our own conversations from a different inner place.

A place that is uniquely human and is not reactively triggered. A place that is curious, compassionate and courageous.

This opens up new potential for us all collectively as we can embrace our difference for greater wisdom. This is my intention for our beautiful, shared humanity.

May you have a magical workday, every day!

Veronica

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Veronica is known for her ability to help managers and their teams do the ‘human’ stuff, creating connection to enable their technical excellence. She inspires teams and the co-creation of cultures of trust through her authenticity, vulnerability and compassion.

By initiating and holding a safe human space, teams shift from ignoring to embracing the elephant in the meeting room. This breaks old behavioural cycles and opens up new potential for wellbeing and performance.

For over twenty years, Veronica has led the human-side of change in business process improvements, large scale, executive projects and team culture. Working with over 30 teams of all sizes across all service areas.

Veronica is passionate about supporting individuals and managers who are feeling like they are the only ones stuck in the hamster wheel of the human stuff. She wants you to know, you are not alone!?

Veronica is all about co-creating heartful workplaces where we share our unique gifts with each other for greater performance and wellbeing for all. If you enjoyed this article, and would like to receive these direct to your inbox, please leave a thumbs up in the comments.

Contact Veronica via LinkedIn: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/team-collaboration-transformation-melbourne/?or Email: [email protected] or Phone: + 61 402 253 966

I am running a webinar on 'How to lead authentic conversations for improved team trust, wellbeing and performance.' I'd love to share this exploration with you.

Date: Friday 10 September 2021

Time: 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZYudu...