~~The Lost Art of Communication~~

" For most of human history, face-to-face communication was the core of our interaction. But not today. We text, we email, we blog, we friend each other on social networks. In the new age of electronic media, family and friends converse less than ever. As a result, we miss out on one of life's singular pleasures: a relaxed, civilized exchange of views."Alexander Green

I share with you one of the most valuable lessons which I have learned during my time in Nicaragua. The experience of community is abundant here. Spending time in conversation is an art form which has not been lost upon the communities which we visited in Nicaragua. Spending time together preparing meals and enjoying afternoon conversations is something that you see and experience each day. They are not distracted by telephones, emailing and texting. They are present in every moment. There is a depth to those whom I have had the opportunity to meet with during this week that I don't often feel at home in the states.

Life lessons come to us in many forms. Personally, I believe we understand them and open up to them when we are at a point in life of being ready. Four years ago, I had a moment of clarity. This moment of clarity came to me during proceedings of my divorce. I realized that I had lost the ability to communicate with my spouse in my marriage. I realized the value of communication in a relationship and how quickly and fleeting it had become in our life and in our marriage. This lesson was something that I vowed to work on and to learn better skills of communicating with other's. Have I done this? In some ways, yes. However, there is always room for improvement.

In parting, I leave you with the following thought..Charles Dickens said, "Never close your lips to those whom you have opened your heart."

My family will visit this weekend. For today, I am committing to hugging them a bit tighter, telling them I love them a few more times and doing my best to be PRESENT with them. To communicate with them and to be open to them.

love and peace, brandi j.