DIALOGUE
A red thread through much of my work has been participating in and supporting spaces for open conversations where mutual inquiry is valued above a search for solutions or answers. In my experience, shifting away from forms of communication where speakers defend their opinions towards reciprocal exploration of a problem framing can create possibilities for personal and collective change where none seemed possible before.
“Jeppe is able to consider any aspect of life with a creative intelligence that is open and willing to consider all aspects of life.”
Antonio Dias, writer, artist, designer
In conversation with others we often come to identify with our own opinions and forget that our thoughts are based on specific assumptions learned in particular contexts. So when our opinions are challenged it is easy to feel a need to defend them – it can feel as if our own person is in question. This can disrupt genuine conversation and turn it into a tit-for-tat discussion or even an argument.
Dialogue is a way of bringing attention to the form that conversations take and to how our thoughts and opinions shape the way we see the world and our place in it. This kind of interaction was pioneered by David Bohm and Jiddu Krishnamurti in their dialogues which spanned three decades. Their work on the proprioception – or ‘self-perception’ – of thought and suspension of action provide an invaluable starting point for any form of mutual inquiry.
In recent years I’ve found myself involved in a mesh of different forms of dialogues which include one-to-one conversations, written exchanges, group inquiries and artistic collaborations. This has made me believe that dialogue can take place in virtually any form: with any number of people (even one), around any topic or medium of interest, offline or online. To me, dialogue is an attitude and ethic rather than a method.
I have developed the praxis of ‘interview-conversations’ as a form of shared inquiry into things that matter. Good examples of this kind of conversation can be found in a trilogy of conversations I had with Tony Dias as well as in the series of interview-conversations I undertook in connection with my research.
I also take part in Concentric Dialogue, an experiment in having open conversations without a pre-defined agenda which aims to give voice to clarity in community.
These kinds of conversations have been one of the most vitalising sources of awareness and inspiration I have encountered, and I cherish any opportunity to extend such dialogues online or, preferably, in first life. If you find that we share interests and want to speak with me about it, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
