For as long as we've been around as humans, as wandering bands of nomads or cave dwellers, we have sat together and shared experiences.

We've painted images on rock walls, recounted dreams and visions, told stories of the day, and generally felt comforted to be in the world together.

When the world became fearsome, we came together.

When the world called us to explore its edges, we journeyed together.

Whatever we did, we did it together.

I hope we can reclaim conversation as our route back to each other, and as the path forward to a hopeful future.

It only requires imagination and courage and faith.

These are qualities possessed by everyone.

Now is the time to exercise them to their fullest.

Wheatley, M. J. (2002). Turning to one another: Simple conversations to restore hope to the future. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.