Courageous Conversations: What Are You Not Talking About?

Climbing the mountain of truth can be exhausting, but whenever we persist against inner resistance, it pays off. In our NAKED diary we asked ourselves one question: what courageous conversations are we not having?

What is a courageous conversation?

Ultimately there should be no difference between a courageous and a normal conversation. But most of us are used to dialogue that reveals very little about ourselves. A courageous conversation goes where we usually don’t dare to look. It asks us to talk about feelings, discomfort or anger we might be storing inside.

It might be the thing you wanted to tell your dad for a long time but never did, the attraction you feel for a friend, or the overwhelm you sink into when you think about the future.

Why honest communication transforms fear

Only when we put our dirty laundry on the line and expose hidden fears to daylight do we get a chance to dissolve them. From there we can evolve, expand and grow. A courageous conversation transforms your fear into your friend.

Speak the truth to yourself first

The mountain of truth is an inward journey. It is not about throwing your inner garbage at somebody, and it is not your opinion about someone else. It is how you feel about a certain behaviour, followed by asking yourself: why? Why am I anxious, triggered or angry about this?

Speaking truth starts with yourself, and much of it can be resolved there. If some residue is left, the courageous conversation is your next step.

Try it: three questions to start

• What am I feeling right now, and where do I feel it in my body?
• What have I been avoiding saying, and to whom?
• What is the smallest honest sentence I could say today?

Watch the diary video:

https://youtu.be/ecD24jH47g4

Open communication is one of the pillars of NAKED. Find out more about our NAKED The Retreat programme, or meet others practising honest communication in our community.