Contact: The First Four Minutes [antikvár]

INTRODUCTION Contact: what does it mean to you? Touching someone? The meeting of two objects or bodies? The command that old-time pilots gave to the guy out there spinning the propeller to start the engine? A business connection that needs to be explored? An encounter with a friend or stranger? Contact is all of these, but in my context the last mini-definition is closest. Contact is the way you meet and relate with people during the initial phase of interaction: with strangers, friends, lovers, children, bosses, blind dates, plumbers, teachers, politicians—the whole cast of characters in your individual world. Unless you are a hermit, you come in contact with family and community on a daily basis. Most of us take these routine, casual meetings or interactions for granted. If we are burdened with emotional problems, it is more difficult to see ourselves with clarity. Many people do not seem to be fully aware of how they relate to others. This is not an empty insinuation; it's the main reason for this book. As you will discover, the principles of Contact provide a mirror in which to see your reflection more clearly. This self- 3