The moment early humans created fire, our rapid evolutionary growth took another exponential leap, we became less of a pack and more of a tribe or community. People were more likely to come together for their meals and eventually were able to plan where to go to find their next prey. Their Minds would develop even more alongside speech and soon their dialogue would evolve to sharing stories, interpreting the land around them and pass down their wisdom. Bonds were created and strengthened around fire with the newfound ability to communicate.
Fast forward to the recent cell phone-less past, our elders intrinsically knew the importance of communication. The society before ours always had person-to-person interaction, for the most part, and the space was filled with chatter. If they had nothing to talk about, they may find themselves more content in the silence than we would today.
This is the same generation that preaches "communication is key" and would go on complaining that we spend too much time on our cell phones. Many of us hear this and can agree on its importance, but the communication we use today is drastically different than the way humans have communicated for the past thousands of years. Yes, today we can interact with hundreds more people but that sort of communication normally consists of texting, emojis, tweets, and pictures with a caption. We experience anxiety on a phone call and struggle with directions that go farther than a few blocks even if someone illustrated it precisely.
When we do finally meet up in person, what does that scene look like?
Our phones are out, either being used as a distraction to fill the void of silence or utilized within a conversation. We are no longer as content with the enjoying the still moment as the generations before us. We can hardly discuss certain topics without emotions flaring up and clouding our thoughts from being articulated. So instead, we talk just to talk and fill the uneasy air with empty conversation to fulfill our desire in providing value to the quality time being spent.
Where do we learn how to communicate and how can we build upon those skills?
To make it simple, talk more. The trick is these conversations should carry sustenance so that we can actively engage our brains and share what's really on our Minds. What sort of Life would we live if we never practiced our ability to articulate our thoughts?
Of course, we can only provide our Minds with nourishment when we are open to listening to one other.
I used to get a little annoyed when someone would describe directions to me because all I needed was an address to plug into the map. I recognize now that this interaction can be a cognitive exercise that can improve communication skills. Both parties have to orientate themselves and create a mental map of the world around them. It forces us to see the bigger picture and align our perspectives to get on the same page where communication becomes more effective. If we fail to see the others perspective, one would get there eventually but only after taking a different route. Maybe this is why our parents could always find their way back home from where ever they are.
Wisdom is forged by Life experiences and can only be handed down by a well-articulated message. At that point, it is up to the receiver to open their ears and hear what is being said.
Communication is an art that will lose its value if we continue the automated path we are on now.
Get off your phone and talk to the ones close to you when you have the chance. The fire pits we gathered around yesterday still exist in the form of dinner tables today.
Practice listening and flex them vocal cords.
