{"product_id":"why-cant-we-talk-christian-wisdom-on-dialogue-as-a-habit-of-the-heart-9781594734434","title":"Why Can't We Talk?: Christian Wisdom on Dialogue as a Habit of the Heart","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn How to Contribute More Effectively and Compassionately to\u003cbr\u003ethe Conversations that Shape Your Life\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Anything could happen when we start to talk. Nothing will happen if we don't. That alone makes the way of dialogue a journey worth taking.\"\u003cbr\u003e--from the Epilogue\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThink of an issue that makes your blood boil. Now imagine lunch with a friend who is just as passionate about it--on the other side. How can the two of you even broach the issue, let alone hear each other with curiosity and compassion?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe answer begins long before the lunch does, by learning to engage dialogue as a habit of the heart--an inner transformation that the ancient practices of Christian spirituality can address. This highly readable and timely guide to restoring dialogue shows you how to cultivate this transformation while preparing you to approach your adversaries with curiosity, civility and compassion. With dialogue expert John Backman leading the way, you will: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExamine the obstacles that keep you from dialogue: black-and-white thinking, a \"distraction lifestyle,\" the fear of change and negative impressions from others.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplore the strength of character from which healthy dialogue springs--and the work of the soul that cultivates them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn practical guidelines for dialogue and how they work in an imperfect world.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEncounter anecdotes of dialogue in action, from resolutions of interpersonal conflict to difficult dialogues on some of the most divisive issues of our age.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse provocative questions at the end of each chapter to stimulate group discussion and individual reflection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBackman, John:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Backman\u003c\/strong\u003e is a member of the National Coalition for Dialogue \u0026amp; Deliberation board of directors and creator of The Dialogue Venture. He writes extensively on contemporary spirituality and its ability to help us dialogue across divides and his work has been published in several faith-based and secular national publications. He is an associate in the Order of the Holy Cross, a community of Benedictine Episcopal monasteries in North America and South Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eLindahl, Kay:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKay Lindahl\u003c\/strong\u003e, the founder of The Listening Center in Long Beach, California, is author of \u003cem\u003eHow Does God Listen?\u003c\/em\u003e;\u003cem\u003e Practicing the Sacred Art of Listening: A Guide to Enrich Your Relationships and Kindle Your Spiritual Life\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Sacred Art of Listening: Forty Reflections for Cultivating a Spiritual Practice. \u003c\/em\u003eShe is coeditor of \u003cem\u003eWomen, Spirituality and Transformative Leadership: Where Grace Meets Power \u003c\/em\u003e(all SkyLight Paths).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eKay Lindahl is available to speak on the following topics: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Sacred Art of Listening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Power of Listening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Transforming Nature of Listening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Lost Art of Listening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs Anybody Listening?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Importance of Listening for Health Care Professionals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003eClick here to contact the author. ","brand":"Skylight Paths Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51580256780562,"sku":"9781594734434","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_c33b73ea-929b-4857-bb2e-18ac9fc7537c.jpg?v=1756213033","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/why-cant-we-talk-christian-wisdom-on-dialogue-as-a-habit-of-the-heart-9781594734434","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}