Communication continues to evolve. Beauty, love, and anger are expressed in ever-evolving ways. How I understand life and the individuals I meet has changed with time. I remember the language and expressions of my childhood, teen years, and emerging adulthood. In the process, I hear distant dialects that few recognise today. I want to believe that we are kinder today. The contra to my hope is the frequent pain inflicted and received that constantly reminds me of habits and behaviours that transcend time and age. The cruelty of yesterday, as well as the expressions of compassion and kindness, continue. The form may be different, while the impact is all too familiar.
Communication is never static. Over the years, I have seen how the form and methods I use to communicate have changed with time, context, and experience. I had willingly and, at times, unwillingly adopted my ways of thinking, sharing, and interacting with the community where I found myself. Looking back, this was a necessary part of my growth if I wanted to be relevant. I am not the only one; “Going through a long line of prophets, God has been addressing our ancestors in different ways for centuries.” (Hebrews 1.1)
Communication comes with two perspectives: the one sharing and the one listening and receiving. If one wants to share, I have learned that starting with the language and perspective of the one I am trying to communicate is directly linked to creating a dialogue. The eye open was the new awareness this created within my heart and mind. In opening myself to others, I find others opening themselves to me. This has created new opportunities for us to collaborate and support each other. The unexpected outcome is an awareness of cross-cultural and generational understanding of how we can work together.
Communication is one’s natural way of expressing the art of the soul. The question I often ask myself is a friend’s gift: What emotion do you want to leave with those who listen to you? My artistic goal is to leave others with optimistic hope.
