If we cannot have dialogue, how will we ever solve our differences? This is our first step...

I have a internet radio show which is a passion of mine and a labor of love. I feel very fortunate being able to return to college later in life. Sorry, but I am a believer that higher education is wasted on the young. We just are not ready for deeper learning when we are young—we haven’t had enough life experience to understand it all and put it in perspective, in my opinion. I am not saying you shouldn’t go to college right out of high school; I am saying you should think twice about stopping there. This show is my attempt to bridge the gap between academia and those who have quit on higher learning. No judgment here, but you are being left behind and that saddens me. As we become more global and everything comes at us faster and faster from so many new places, I worry about those whose only access to new insight is through what is marketed as popular in any given moment. The potential for losing one’s perspective of what is real and meaningful is great in this fast-paced world. Take communication for example, our popular culture gives us many examples of how to communicate through the various mediums: TV, movies, radio, magazines, music, the internet, books, games, etc. But are these examples of communicating working for you? Or do you find yourself faced with all kinds of barriers when you try to connect with others through dialogue? There is a great deal of study and research being done around communication, but are you tapping into sound resources? Who are you listening to?...only yourself?...only others? Do you use your critical thinking skills to check out your “experts?” Do you know yourself well enough to know if it’s “you” who is in the way of having better dialogue? Just something to think about…

I have collected great thinkers on all kinds of topics related to dissolving communication barriers on the many levels you might find them: interpersonally, within small groups or teams, and larger groups or communities. It is time for us all to fearlessly bridge our differences and start having dialogue. It will take all of us to change the directions humanity is facing. The key word is "fearlessly." If conflict scares you, check out my radio show at www.blogtalkradio.com/cathybennett and choose from the many podcasts available to start developing your courage to speak up and to listen mindfully. This is the first step we all must take if we want a better world to live in...

What are YOUR thoughts on creating better communication among us?