Interview: Heart to Heart Conversation
For me poetry is not just a form of art, it’s my way of worship, it’s my letters to God, to my husband, to my daughters, to my sons, to you and to myself. It’s me, in pen and paper!
NAIROBI, Kenya, September 18, 2024/-- Today is National Respect Day in the United States, a day for reflection on healthy relationships borne of treating one another with respect and empathy. Back in Kenya, a caring and compelling conversationalist is emphasizing the same through how we engage in conversation.
In this Kikao, our guest talks us out of dominating dialogues as well as the art of relieving one's arms tired from carrying the conversation.
Let Kikao begin...
[Question 1] Welcome to Kikao. Who is Winnie J Doxa?
Hi, there! Thank you for this opportunity.
I am a born again Christian creative from Nairobi Kenya, who is very passionate for the arts, especially spoken word poetry, acting, writing, and making films.
[Question 2] As a skilled interlocutor, how can one form deeper human connection through conversations?
There are many skills one needs to keep sharpening to be able to communicate clearly, I don’t think I have mastered them all. However, what tops the list for me is allowing myself to be in another’s shoes first, and being as honest and vulnerable as needed.
[Question 3] The goal of a good conversation is understanding what one is thinking and feeling, and not wining. While a debate is more about performance, a conversation is not. Why are people debating more than conversing in their day-to-day discourse?
Well, the context for the former determines whether it’s negative or not, for example, when students participate in debating, they are able to learn how to express themselves better and articulate what they strongly believe in in a way that should be able to persuade an audience or the judge to vote in their favour.
The latter on the other hand, should be a way of life, with intentionality on both parties to actively listen, seek clarity and hopefully, eventually, come to an understanding even with different perspectives.
With that said, I think we should pursue more meaningful conversations.
[Question 4] In your spoken word and recorded dialogue there is an undertone of solemnity and an appreciation of being in touch with spirituality. Why this?
Most of my pieces are the stories of my life and my encounters with God. I don’t think they all have an undertone of solemnity as you put it, but they are definitely faith based because for me poetry is not just a form of art, it’s my way of worship, it’s my letters to God, to my husband, to my daughters, to my sons, to you and to myself. It’s me, in pen and paper!
[Question 5] You have given men conversations a unique platform in your work. What do you make of the manosphere?
We should definitely have more conversation about the challenges men face in the rapidly evolving society and how we can support them. Empowering Women is great too, however we need to also groom the man for the empowered woman. If you get what I mean, otherwise we will be just going in circles as a society…
[Question 6] “Sticks and stones may break my bones. But words shall never hurt me.” How true is this old adage in the current world of online interactions?
With the evolving digital space, our words have now become the sticks and stones. We can’t afford to allow ourselves to be the ones causing so much emotional damage to people through cyber bullying. Surely we can be more sensitive. Remember, your words will live longer than you, so be very mindful of what you put out there.
[Question 7] If you would have a dinner party with anyone from history. Who would you invite?
I would invite Maya Angelou, everything about her was just, phenomenal! Indeed she was a Phenomenal Woman! We should aspire to be, even more!
The written interview was compiled by Phineahs Munene – Co-founder of WazoMoja for Winnie J Doxa – of Winnie J Doxa
Distributed by WazoMoja on behalf of Winnie J Doxa
SOURCE
Winnie J Doxa