Conversation—The Sacred Art: Practicing Presence in an Age of Distraction
Cultivate the potential for deeper connection in every conversation.
"To think of conversation as a sacred art challenges us to imagine all the conversations in which we participate, from the acquaintance we run into at Target to the dialogue for which we've spent weeks in preparation, as a potentially sacred conversation."
—from the Introduction
We often find ourselves distracted and overwhelmed by a constant stream of information and demand for connectivity. Now more than ever, we need to develop our capacity for greater presence in our daily lives and relationships. One of the best ways to do this is by improving the quality of our conversations. Dr. Diane M. Millis offers us inspirational stories, insights and spiritual practices from many faith traditions to increase our awareness of the deep, natural holiness waiting to be unlocked in our everyday encounters.
This resource is a catalyst for anyone who would like to enrich seemingly ordinary conversations as well as for leaders in educational, ministry and corporate settings who want to:
- Increase their capacity to listen deeply
- Become more self-aware and attentive to others
- Learn how to move beyond conventional topics to exploring purpose, meaning and values in conversation.
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Book details
- Author
- Diane Millis
- Imprint
- SkyLight Paths, an imprint of Turner Publishing Company
- Published
- Formats
- Paperback, Hardcover
- Subjects
- Self-Help › Spiritual
- Topics
- mindful presence · spiritual connection · personal transformation · relationships · spiritual living
- ISBN-13
- 9781594734748 (Paperback)9781683360155 (Hardcover)
About the author
DIANE M. MILLIS, PHD is a leadership consultant, educator, spiritual director, and author with over twenty-five years of teaching experience in spirituality, communication studies, family studies, and human development. Her recent books include Re-Creating a Life, Deepening Engagement, and Conversation—The Sacred Art.
Millis has taught at the University of Minnesota, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University, Saint Catherine University, and United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She is the founder of the Journey Conversations Project and the founder of Companions on a Journey at the College of Saint Benedict, funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
When she’s not writing, Millis works as a spiritual director and educational leader developing deep listening and self-awareness in communities. This focus on sustained, reflective conversation runs throughout her books.
Diane lives in Minneapolis.