CONVERSATIONS
Think Of
Conversation Travel
As
BY SHAWN HUNTER
" JUST LIKE ACTUAL TRAVEL , A DEEP
CONVERSATION IS ALSO AN ADVENTURE , AN OPENING TO NEW
IDEAS AND OTHER WAYS OF SEEING THE
WORLD ."
Within every individual , there is an entire world within them , a universe of experiences , knowledge , joy and adversity . Think of conversation as travel , as an exploration . And just like actual travel , a deep conversation is also an adventure , an opening to new ideas and other ways of seeing the world .
START TALKING WITH STRANGERS
I haven ’ t always talked to strangers , but I try more often now . At our local grocery store , the kind person bagging groceries always asks the same series of questions . “ How heavy would you like your bags ?” “ Would you like your milk in a bag ?” “ Would you like your cleaning products in the same bag with your produce ?” “ Would you like your ice cream in a separate bag ?”
I understand they are being polite . I usually tell them , “ You can decide . You ’ re an expert . You have much more experience . I trust you .” Then I can go back to asking the clerk about her tattoo . That ’ s another level of interaction . Try asking a complete stranger about their tattoo . A few years ago , I never would have done this . Are you kidding ? For many people a tattoo is a sacred icon , a
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