“Most conversations are merely monologues delivered in the presence of witnesses.”
(Margaret Millar)

Learning to truly engage in conversation is among life’s greatest blessings, and one of its stiffest challenges. We have to listen with our full focus, restrain the need to quickly correct or critique what we just heard, and then represent ourselves with calm, clear authenticity.

No wonder it hardly ever happens.

But all that can change for you this weekend. Challenge yourself to listen to someone in conversation. Pause, block everything else out, ask gentle follow up questions for clarity only, and then pause again. Surprise yourself (and your conversation partner) with how much attention you pay to the actual words they say.

Peace begins with pause,