Last week in this space I asked you to try this, and send me your reflections: Take note of at least three random strangers. Notice how you react to these people. Do you think, “We could be friends”? Do you feel a negative reaction, of fear, dislike, or something else? Do you find yourself looking down on them, or feeling like they might look down on you? (I’m not talking height, here.) Notice what is different about your reaction to these different persons, and ask yourself what’s behind that. You don’t have to interact with them; just pay attention to your reactions, and send me some … [Read more...] about The Random Strangers Question
strangers
Practicing Foolishness: An Invitation
I've been thinking for awhile about how to bring you into this blog. I have a plan, and this is your chance to take the next step into my brand of foolishness. You ready? Starting next week, once a month my blog post will be a reflection on a specific thing that I've invited us, collectively, to practice. (Read on, for this week's!) Many of these "foolishness prompts" will be drawn from my Fools' Manual. Sometimes they'll be something new that you'll see here, hot off the presses. So here's how it will work: I'll post a "practicing foolishness" activity, here and on my various pages … [Read more...] about Practicing Foolishness: An Invitation
Farmer wave
I grew up with the farmer wave. It’s what you do when you cross paths with someone on a gravel road. It’s the barest flick of a finger or two. An acknowledgment. “I see you.” Out in the world, no one waves. Traveling to Washington DC last week, I was reminded of the hiddenness we share when we are many. In our profusion, each is a stranger. Why notice one another? Walk as if you’re alone, eyes down—and even better if your earbuds show. Ooze self-sufficiency, disconnectedness, disinterest. My country neighbors are no less self-reliant. Their outsized trucks won’t be cowed by any storm. … [Read more...] about Farmer wave