{"id":3064,"date":"2022-08-12T13:38:39","date_gmt":"2022-08-12T20:38:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petergibb.org\/?p=3064"},"modified":"2022-10-27T15:29:37","modified_gmt":"2022-10-27T22:29:37","slug":"mindful-conversation-the-power-of-touch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petergibb.org\/mindful-conversation-the-power-of-touch\/","title":{"rendered":"Mindful Conversation: The Power of Touch"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"the<\/h1>\n

The Power of Touch in Communication<\/h1>\n

Mindful Conversation goes far beyond spoken communication, the traditional territory of ways to improve communication. Consider, for example, Active Listening, perhaps the most widely known strategy for intentional conversation, and a huge breakthrough in how to connect. Carl Rogers was an early pioneer of Active Listening and a giant in the field of interpersonal relationships. I was fortunate enough to study with Carl and count him among the most influential people in my life. I mean no disrespect to him in what I am about to say, but …<\/p>\n

The Limitations of Active Listening<\/h2>\n

Active Listening focuses, as the title implies, on listening, which is an absolutely crucial skill for anyone who wants to be a good communicator. Active Listening teaches a specific way to respond to what others say, most often by repeating back the exact words, or a paraphrase of the words, as spoken. This technique is a huge improvement over most of what passes as listening but is actually what I call \u201cnon-listening.\u201d However, Active Listening still ignores a huge amount of the territory of communication.<\/p>\n

Active Listening suffers from two severe limitations:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. It teaches a range of rather stock phrases: wording that implies that you have listened and understood what was said. But these words, used over and over, wear thin and sound mechanical, rote and wooden. The technique then loses its value and undercuts the purpose of the conversation.<\/li>\n
  2. Because it focuses on the spoken word, those who learn and practice Active Listening often ignore the unspoken <\/em>or non-verbal<\/em> messages, which are frequently the most significant part of a conversation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Scope and Depth of Mindful Conversation<\/h2>\n

    In stark contrast to Active Listening, Mindful Conversation includes the vast scope and potential depth of conversation. Mindful Conversation distinguishes three levels of conversation.<\/p>\n

    Level 1<\/strong> is the \u201cme \u2013 you\u201d conversation (two or more people engaged in conversation together)<\/p>\n

    Level 2<\/strong> is the \u201cme \u2013 me\u201d conversation (the chatter that goes on inside our heads that others are usually unaware of but influences us in many ways)<\/p>\n

    Level 3<\/strong> is the \u201cme \u2013 us\u201d conversation, our largely subconscious dialogue with common humanity; a conversation that addresses the question, \u201cAre we one with (in a dance) or separate from (in competition with) life beyond our own skin?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Active Listening deals exclusively with Level 1, the \u201cme \u2013 you\u201d conversation. This conversation is vitally important, but only part of the picture. And how about the non-verbal parts of that \u201cme \u2013 you\u201d conversation? Mindful Conversation includes extensive approaches such as silence, pausing, non-verbal gestures, and especially the often ignored vital role of touch.<\/p>\n

    The Impact of Small Gestures<\/h2>\n

    Mindful Conversation emphasizes the power of two of the most common and underrated communication enhancers: eye contact and smile. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then eye contact and a genuine smile together are worth at least five thousand.<\/p>\n

    But beyond these two so easily available expressive connectors, I\u2019d like to talk about the power of touch. Touch is more acceptable in some cultures than in others. In most of the U.S., non-sexual touch is relatively restrained, though it is more common among women than men. As a male who grew up in a distinctly non-touch family and culture, I\u2019d like to compliment the women and ask you: Please help us men to catch up!<\/p>\n

    Let me share a story. Many years ago, I went on a student exchange program to Turkey and lived with a Turkish family on the island of Buyukada, found in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul. I will never forget the first day when I went for a walk with my Turkish \u201cbrother.\u201d We were strolling down to the harbor, getting acquainted, watching the boats bob up and down. Without any pretense or preamble, he slipped his arm through mine. We kept walking and talking as a wave of connection and affection passed through me. I had never experienced such a gesture\u2014perhaps from anyone, and certainly not from a man. It was nothing sexual, nothing suggestive, nothing but a way of connection. And it was totally delightful.<\/p>\n

    Since that time, I have tried this same gesture\u2014simply linking arms the way women and couples often do\u2014with male friends a number of times. I don\u2019t do it with everyone, and I don\u2019t do it nearly as often as I could and actually would like to. I do it with friends and family, who, I think, will understand and appreciate it. I still get the same rush from it, a feeling of extra connection. I love it. So far, I\u2019ve never been rebuffed. Never been laughed at, or misunderstood. I make this small gesture less frequently than I\u2019d like, mostly because I\u2019m not accustomed to it. I didn\u2019t grow up in such a culture. But I realize I am missing out on a small practice of connection that I enjoy. And so, I, here and now, make the commitment to remember and experience that joy of connection more often.<\/p>\n

    A Challenge for Men: Try the Linked Up Connection<\/h2>\n

    I\u2019ve never suggested anything like this in a blog or newsletter before, but here goes.<\/p>\n

    If the \u201carms linked up\u201d idea appeals, men, try it. (Ladies, you can, of course, also, but many of you already do. Think of this as a small move in the Men’s Liberation Movement.) Let\u2019s start a trend.<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019d like to read more about the power of touch, check out this Psychology Today article<\/a>. Or, if you want the very latest academic research on touch as a tool for social interaction, check out Touch in Social Interaction<\/a>. Or try the linked-up connection once or twice.<\/p>\n

    Try it when you feel so inclined, with someone whom you think would be understanding and accepting. If you are rebuffed in any way, simply unlink. If it flows (or if it doesn\u2019t), talk about it. Talk about how you felt initiating such a gesture. What does it mean? Talk about any way that it shifts your relationship with the owner of the other arm. Talk about if it felt uncomfortable or unnatural. Talk about why we are so afraid of touch and what we might be missing.<\/p>\n

    This is all part of Mindful Conversation. And if you don\u2019t want to talk about it, there\u2019s no obligation. Write your own script. Just keep discovering your best way to connect with yourself and those whom you want to connect with.<\/p>\n

    If you try it, or even contemplate it, please let us know below. I\u2019d love to hear about your experience, and I bet others would, too.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The Power of Touch in Communication Mindful Conversation goes far beyond spoken communication, the traditional territory of ways to improve communication. 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