1/18 Bohm Dialogue — Dialogue differs from Chalice Circles

David Bohm

Suppose we were able to share meanings freely without a compulsive urge to impose our view or conform to those of others and without distortion and self-deception.
Would this not constitute a real revolution in culture?
– David Bohm

The Religious Exploration Salon is a group that meets 3rd Sundays to discuss various topics in the format called Bohm Dialogue.  The topic for January 18 will be a continuation of the Nov 16 topic “decision making“.

Some have asked how Bohm Dialogue differs from the Chalice Circles that they have participated in at First Parish.  Both formats emphasize one person speaking at a time and respectful listening.  But while Chalice Circles prohibit “crosstalk” (referring to something said by another member), in Dialogue crosstalk is permitted and even encouraged including agreement, disagreement, modification, expansion on and asking for clarification of others’ comments — as long as it is done respectfully.  Ideally this crosstalk leads to a synergistic building upon each others thoughts resulting in new insights that no one might reach alone.

Another difference from Chalice Circles is that there are no check-in or check-out periods — all talk is limited to the chosen topic.  There is no sharing of personal milestones, joys and concerns, etc., except as they may directly relate to the chosen topic.  At the end of the dialogue there is a time for feedback on how well the Dialogue went and a time to choose the next topic. (For more details about how Dialogue works, see our February article).

Everyone is welcome. You are welcome to think about the topic beforehand but no preparation is required or expected — come as you are with whatever thoughts/feelings/intuitions you have, ready to listen, learn and contribute.  Our next meeting will be on January 18th at 7pm in the Brackett Room.

Contact Paul Reising for more information.