Go the "Full Circle"

Traditional African and Asian storytelling may be shared in a non-linear fashion.  The storyteller starts at a point and proceeds on a journey that takes twists and turns and might even seem to wander from that point.  Ultimately, the journey circles around and reaches the beginning, thus providing a rich and thoughtful voyage of vivid imagery around the world.  I call this going "full circle".  

My mother and grandmother used to lecture and have regular conversations with me in this whimsy fashion.  It was to provide me with life-long lessons in a way that wouldn't pinpoint my wrong doings, but rather provide me with little pockets of wisdom to carry with me throughout my lifetime.  As an antsy child with no time or patience for long winded lessons, I would huff and puff and sigh and wonder what in the world they were trying to say.... aaaah - the ignorant bliss of youth.

Going "full circle" is a strategy that may be practiced to achieve the most effective communication experience when dialoguing or discussing provocative topics with another person.  It may prove to be refreshing and liberating for it gently sits remnants of ego in the corner. It requires the individuals who are speaking to complete the conversation although the intensity may pick up and any conceivable conclusion or lesson appears to borderline on futility.

What does "Going Full Circle" look like?

Listening intently without forming a line-up of questions or defensives is key. We are individual and unique creations of the Divine, so naturally we have differing perspectives.  This is a blessing.  I find that people, even more long-winded individuals eventually have an ending point.  Hear the other side. Validate your fellow speaker's view.  Ask if they are interested in another perspective before actually interjecting.   This requires patience and humility.  After interjecting, ask "how do you feel about that" or "what do you think"?  Listen to the response. The goal is to dialogue back and forth until the conversation feels complete.

You  may be pleasantly surprised how individuals with whom you had a rocky conversational past  seem to flow with you in new, exciting and stimulating conversations together.

Ultimately, we all want to express our love. 

We can demonstrate how important our friends and family members are by challenging ourselves to "Go the Full Circle".