Dialogue according to David Bohm

 

David Bohm (1917-1992) is the "father" of dialogue, the culmination of all his insights and life experiences. As a quantum physicist, David Bohm has made a number of significant contributions to physics. In the last phase of his life, however, he increasingly turned to questions about human consciousness and the nature of interpersonal understanding.

 

He called the dialogue “a form of joint thinking” – generating new ideas together, looking for solutions, exploring new things. While a discussion (Latin from discutere = smash, divide, dissect) dissects the whole, the dialogue (Greek from dia = through, logos = word) for Bohm means a “free flow of meaning that flows among us, through us and between us". A dialogue is about togetherness - creating something in conversation or finding solutions.

 

Bohms Dialogue is easy to learn and use. It is an effective communication practice for sustainable conflict resolution and aids life to flourish.

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Constructive cooperation

David Bohm called the dialogue "a form of thinking together" - together new Idgenerate new things, look for solutions, explore new things. While a discussion (Latin from discutere = smash, divide, dissect) is about dissecting the whole, for Bohm dialogue (Greek from dia = through, logos = word) means a "free flow of meaning that us, through us and between us".

Elements of a dialogue

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Listening - give your undivided presence

The basis for making a connection is listening. Listening is pure, undivided presence. I'm teaching a simple technique for keeping your attention in the moment, without any secondary mental programs. Pure, undivided presence is consciousness. The resulting field of consciousness contains the crea(k)tive energy so that new ideas, solutions or insights can arise.

Participation - be fully present

The dialogue thrives on the attention that each participant gives to the field. Be curious about new things - be open to what you don't (yet) know. Ignorance is fundamental to new knowledge and cognition. This means that dialogue is not about "reproducing" knowledge - what is created comes from the field. The dialogue is also not a framework for «profiling» oneself, every voice is of equal value. Also don't "take yourself out" or "refuse" internally if you don't agree. This attitude of togetherness allows the field to become "eloquent" - a resource and crea-active.

Articulation - add to what has been said, stay in the moment

Another important aspect for a lively process to develop in a dialogue is to stay in the moment. If all participants relate to the content that is developing in the present moment, each contribution builds on what has been said. It's not about contradicting or referring to the past when it isn't conducive to the present emerging. This is how the creative field can be activated.

Respect - any contribution is welcome.

 

Each participant has the same right of expression and voice. Dialogue is an awareness of the process, an attitude that includes everyone. Thus, contributions will not be evaluated; sometimes a completely "nonsensical idea" can provide the impetus for the next insight.

Suspend – keep your own reactions in limbo

To suspend means to maintain a "meta level" in oneself and - always in the
With regard to the common intention - to observe and decide which own impulses/thoughts serve the process and which could inhibit the process.
A challenging aspect is the ability to "hold in limbo" emotional reactions, that is, to put them aside when appropriate - be it criticism, a contrary opinion, anger, etc. - and yet remain involved in the whole.
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Basis

• It needs a «container», an agreement on the place, time and duration of the dialogue.
• It needs to be agreed in advance what the purpose of the dialogue is.
• The participants undertake to comply with the 5 simple principles.
• Status and role properties are suspended during the dialog.
• The speaking stick leads in dialogue - only those who hold it in their hands speak.
• Whoever is speaking must not be interrupted.
• The facilitator of the dialogue intervenes only when the frame is broken or when someone takes up an unreasonable amount of time; the group agrees.

Procedure

The group sits in a circle. In the middle is a "talking stick" - an object that is picked up and put down again with each contribution.
1st check-in round
In one sentence, the participants share their feelings or needs regarding the content of the dialogue. The speaking stick goes in circles.
2nd round of dialogue
The speaking stick is in the middle. Whoever has a contribution gets the talking stick in the middle and speaks and puts it back when finished.
3rd check-out round
The participants say in one sentence what they take away from the dialogue. The speaking stick goes in circles

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Time investment

 

A dialogue takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Less time can make it difficult for something to emerge - more time can weaken concentration and thus strength.
Time frame, depending on group size:
- Check in and check out, each 10-15 minutes
- Dialogue 1-1.5 hours