Those who lived in societies not influenced by Western social philosophy, like Native Americans and other indigenous peoples, often utilized a different approach to communication. The approach they used is designed to facilitate understanding. Conversation and dialogue possess many of the properties of “understanding” communication. The emphasis of “understanding” communication is on listening to the perspective of others.
Meaningful relationships don’t just happen. They require conscious, purposeful thought and action; all we have to do to avoid them is not pursue them. Meaningful relationships also require vulnerability and transparency that exposes us to the possibility of harm and resulting conflict. On the other-hand, that same vulnerability and transparency is necessary to experience the fullness of our humanity and the personage of those with whom we live in community. It’s a DILEMMA! What do we do?
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