Conversations often swirl in the safe eddies of surface talk, the distinction between discourse and dialogue becomes more than just a matter of semantics. It touches the very essence of how we relate, how we understand, and how we transform.
Think of discourse as a tool. It's useful, no doubt. Like a finely crafted instrument, it allows us to articulate, to explain, to argue. But often, discourse keeps us floating above the depths. It’s an "abouting" (ref. Nora Bateson)—talking about ideas, about others, about ourselves. It’s like discussing the texture of water without diving in. Discourse can be satisfying, even intellectually stimulating, but it often leaves the heart untouched and the soul unchanged.
Dialogue, on the other hand, is a practice. It’s a way of being with each other that goes beyond the exchange of words. Dialogue is the act of diving into the waters, feeling the current, experiencing the depth. It’s speaking from and for, rather than about. When we engage in dialogue, we’re not just sharing thoughts; we’re sharing pieces of ourselves. We’re listening to understand, to connect, to create something new together.
Nora Bateson, in her wisdom, speaks of “abouting” as a kind of surface skimming that keeps us comfortably distant from true engagement. We talk about the environment, about politics, about relationships, but how often do we speak FOR the environment, for our political passions, for our relationships? How often do we allow the raw, unpolished truth of our experiences to surface in our conversations?
Imagine discourse as a beautifully crafted boat. It’s sturdy, it’s impressive, it can take us to many places. But no matter how skilled we become at navigating this boat, we remain on the surface. We do feel a sense of progress, a sense of mastery, but the depths remain unexplored.
The boat doesn’t change the water; it merely traverses it.
Dialogue, in contrast, is akin to swimming. It’s immersive. It requires us to feel the water against our skin, to move with its rhythm, to trust in our ability to stay afloat even as we venture into the unknown. Dialogue demands vulnerability. It asks us to set aside our defenses, to open ourselves to the possibility of being changed by what we encounter.
This practice of dialogue, of speaking from and for, is transformative. It shifts us from being the observers of our lives and our world to being active participants. It allows us to co-create reality rather than describing it.
In dialogue, there is no pretense, no posturing. There is only the authentic exchange that has the power to heal, to connect, to innovate.
Consider a conversation about climate change. Discourse will equip us with facts, figures, and theories. It’s necessary, it’s informative. But dialogue asks us to go deeper. It invites us to share our fears, our hopes, our personal encounters with nature’s shifting patterns. It brings in the stories of those affected, the wisdom of indigenous knowledge, the creativity of new explorations. In dialogue, we don’t discuss climate change; we engage with it as a living reality that impacts us all.
Discourse can help us articulate our needs, our grievances, our desires. But it’s dialogue that fosters true intimacy. It’s the practice of being present, of listening with our hearts. It’s the willingness to be seen and to see truly and fully.
Let us cultivate spaces where we can speak from and for, where our words are not just tools but expressions of our deepest truths. In doing so, we move from conversation to communion, from static knowledge to dynamic understanding, from isolated selves to interconnected beings.
These spaces are messy. When we are in a messy space, the transformation that we collectively need is beyond the edges of what we know. A shared space to notice we do not have an explanation for everything. A space for humble practice and letting go of our brilliant clever ways to turn everything into the “next thing”. A place where our clever minds, prestige, attachments and expertise can rest and we can just be practicing because we care. These are the spaces to practice Messy Art!
I invite you to stitch art across the ruptures of our times. I invite you to gather together to practice inquiries, poetry, arts that open new imaginative possibilities.
You may be asking, how do we embody this capacity? Here are a few practices to get started:
1. Embrace Emergence: Instead of trying to predict and control outcomes, allow changes to emerge organically from the collective intelligence of the system. This is only possible when we truly practice: Listening to the undercurrent. With listening comes the capacity to discern between the noise of distraction and the rhythm of creation.
2. Dialogue: Create spaces for open, honest dialogue. Encourage curiosity in creating models, systems, new paradigms that care for beauty and harmony to restore the wellbeing of all rather than the supremacy of few.
3. Experimentation: Shift from a mindset of perfectionism to one of experimentation which allows us to sense to what wants to emerge so we can prepare as we practice. This is different than planning as a tool to control and dominate.
Are you ready to participate? If you are, and would like to connect to explore together ways to "participate" feel free to drop me a note.
Unpack and dismantle those “abouting” and embody an Artful Mindset. Make space for participation, dialogue, and practice:
UNLOCK THE ARTFUL MINDSET - Creativity is innate to us. A series of simple invitations to help you explore the key concepts and practices to unlock the artful mindset. IT'S FREE
FORGET START UP & ART-UP - Immerse yourself in a learning experience that transcends the ordinary. Engage in lively explorations, vibrant dialogues, and hands-on assignments that breathe life into your ideas. Download the brochure here.
THE MAVERICK'S PALETTE - An extraordinary opportunity to infuse your entrepreneurial spirit with the colours of creativity. It is not just a course; it's a journey of self-discovery and innovation. Let your journey as an artful entrepreneur begin here.
If you’re interested in learning more about my services and would like to discuss any consultancy, workshops, talks, please reach out.
Consider also subscribing to the newsletter to stay updated and receive weekly inspiration.