What is a Conscious Dialogue?

What is a Conscious Dialogue?

Written by: Anita Pathik Law, CFCC

What exactly is a “Conscious Dialogue?” Consciousness, simply defined, is our current state or level of awareness, thinking, perceiving and believing. We adopt beliefs, states of consciousness, thoughts, and varying levels of understanding about how we function and operate in the world.

Our intention, awareness, belief, and the energy we emit on a conscious level all possess the potential for negative and positive impact. I believe that the key to creating higher consciousness lies in the questions we ask ourselves, the level of curiosity and inquiry we are willing to live in, and in our abilities to discern truth for ourselves without discounting truth for others.

It is often a challenging journey--this quest for truth--so challenging in fact that we may only uncover one layer at a time and often are guided by unconscious forces to explore the relationships and connections with ourselves, our higher power, and others—the paths to joining a collective consciousness that serves the highest good of all.

So, for example, when I am fully conscious to the fact that my energy, intentions, attitudes, actions, and words can influence people in both a positive or negative way; in other words, I am aware that I impact others, I can choose the impact I want to have and then remain conscious and aware of the words I am using, the tone of my voice, my facial expressions, and the energy I am emitting.

To dialogue is to engage in a conversation with two or more people that sparks an exchange of thoughts and ideas. A true dialogue is collaborative and synergistic, as opposed to one sided or highly defined by a need to prove another person’s opinion or point of view as “wrong” or “incorrect according to my point of view.”

When we engage in a Conscious Dialogue, we are more present, curious, and interested in all contributions to the conversation. On a fundamental level, we want to deeply understand the other person and what they are expressing. When we enter into this space there is a natural fascination and curiosity that sets the tone for the dialogue. There is a layering effect that often occurs where the conversation is continually added to or enhanced by adding ideas or concepts in such a way that each layer enhances the exchange. It is not about wining, losing or proving a point, but rather listening, understanding, and embracing one another’s truth without blame, criticism, judgment, or a desire to change another person’s mind.

Conscious Dialogues, therefore, in my opinion, tend to delve into deeper, more soul level conversations. People express their truth as they understand it and are often more open to challenging their own beliefs as they broaden their consciousness through dialogue. Because a sacred space has been created for authentic sharing, people feel a sense of safety, acceptance and love, thus creating the conditions for expansion. When we engage in conscious dialogues we greatly enhance our ability to explore the gray areas that exist within our consciousness. There is less polarization, less “right and wrong”, “right or left”, “either/or thinking”. We express great respect for diverse opinions, philosophies and concepts and therefore enhance our level of honest sharing.

When engaged in Conscious Dialogue, we connect to the soul and move beyond the personality. We explore the heart and the mind. We experience one another’s essence; the quality or nature of a person that makes them who they are.

Copyright © 2006 Anita Pathik Law, www.powerofmyway.com

Anita Pathik Law works with businesses, communities and partners to build the skills and conditions to engage in Conscious Dialogues™, thus expanding the magnificent potential that exists for collaboration, commitment and unity.

Sign up for our next conscious dialogue, The 9 Year Anniversary of The Inner Peace Treaty Ratification scheduled for June 21, 2007 at 7:30 pm EDT - Check out our panel of guests and sign up at http://www.powerofmyway.com/teleseminars/innerpeacedialogue.html

To arrange for Anita to visit with your group, congregation or business, please contact Karen Shannon at [email protected] or call 410-627-6293 or 410-349-8044.