A meeting of words and messages

Have you noticed that young children don’t’ ask, ‘How are you? ‘They are simply present, engaging as is true for them. Their words, tone, and body language are consistent.

All of us have been habituated into clichéd questions and answers for initial connections. These can be superficial or a stepping point into something deeper.

Not only are our words communicating to another. Our whole being speaks. As adults we may find ourselves saying one thing verbally and giving a completely different message with our bodies. We may pick up the discontinuity but, unlike children, we often just play along with it.

Children do not lie with what they express. If they are happy their whole body lights up, and they will never smile if it is not real for them. The message they send is very clear.

Can we engage with child-like immediacy?

Using untruthful clichés when we meet is so common. They’re unhelpful to real connection if they are just an empty social game. We all know how refreshing it is engaging with a child as they just don’t play these games.

Can we risk becoming more like children in our opening interactions? We all long to be seen by others for who we really are. For if we risk not using set responses, even a very brief meeting with another can leave us satisfied that our connection has been authentic.