Amigos Bonding Time
Twenty-two Amigos Anonymous alumni met this past May at Villa Maria del Mar, a lovely facility set on a small bluff just above the peaceful, blue waves of Monterey Bay. It was a delightful and meaningful two-day reunion of old friends and new acquaintances. It was wonderful sharing great food, drink, and relaxed conversation with such special people.
Meg Bowerman, a member of Just Faith, led an interesting and informative program about “Crucial Conversations”. How do we behave when others disagree with us about high stakes, emotional issues? We enjoyed role-playing difficult conversations with a partner, practicing the skills Meg explained.
We worked on active listening, peacefully comparing our two views, being aware of our own needs and feelings, and staying “safe” and not fearful. When people feel unsafe they might become “silent” and withdraw, or they might start labeling and attacking. Meg suggests finding an issue you both agree on, build on your shared views, and peacefully compare your differing views, avoiding suggestions of right/wrong. We returned home more hopeful about difficult conversations.
Meg Bowerman, a member of Just Faith, led an interesting and informative program about “Crucial Conversations”. How do we behave when others disagree with us about high stakes, emotional issues? We enjoyed role-playing difficult conversations with a partner, practicing the skills Meg explained.
We worked on active listening, peacefully comparing our two views, being aware of our own needs and feelings, and staying “safe” and not fearful. When people feel unsafe they might become “silent” and withdraw, or they might start labeling and attacking. Meg suggests finding an issue you both agree on, build on your shared views, and peacefully compare your differing views, avoiding suggestions of right/wrong. We returned home more hopeful about difficult conversations.