Although slam poetry has been around for over three decades, I didn’t know what this genre was until last week. Then I heard five talented poets of “Hear, Here!” Colorado Springs present their work before they competed in this week’s 2015 National Poetry Slam in Oakland, California. [A YouTube sample of slam poetry is at the bottom…
If you want to be a better listener, especially during one-on-one conversations, what I learned this week may be helpful. I heard Spiritual Director Dale Brooks speak on active listening, drawing from the wisdom of St. Benedict of Nursia (c.480-543 or 547). Part of the saint’s approach to monastic living divides each day into eight-hour…
Not too long ago I had some tea and conversation with counselor/writer/speaker Ruth N. Koch. I also participated in two of her “healthy” assertiveness training sessions. Ruth and Kenneth C. Haugk co-authored the best selling book Speaking the Truth in Love: How to be an Assertive Christian. This book is a tool for followers of Jesus…