On picnics and people

It's summer, ya'll!

We had a picnic at a concert in the park last night. It’s such a great way to spend a summer evening. Perhaps you’ve done the same?

This was our first of the season and I was surprised by how many people were out. The lawn in front of the stage was full of people and many more had brought chairs — some low sand chairs, some folding camp chairs, and some taller ones, too — and created concentric half circles behind the grass resembling a proper venue with rows of seats.

Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash

We found a place to call our own and were about to lay out our picnic blanket when I suddenly heard my name. I looked up and saw a neighbor some distance in front of us, motioning us over. We spoke for a moment.

The band had just finished their first set and our neighbors were heading out. Would we like to use their chairs, he asked. It was a nice surprise. I joked that we had just been upgraded to the Club Section seats — and it proved true. The chairs were surprisingly comfortable, with nice tall backs, a half wall in front to put our feet up, and closer to the stage.

The music was loud and lively and I was tapping my toes on the half wall in front of us. The woman to my left was drinking wine. There was an adorable dog to the right. And in front, people were dancing to the music. Overhead, the sun was setting.

After the concert, someone popped up in front of us excitedly. She knew my partner and we all talked for a bit. Small world — especially since she lives in another city.

One of the themes that I want to engage with over time is how do we create community.

When we are young, for many of us, we are born into and blessed with a sense of community in our family.

When we are in our school aged years, we are surrounded by others who are the same age as us. From homeroom to classes, sports teams and extracurricular activities, we have regular opportunities to meet and make friends.

For those that go on to college, it’s even more fertile ground. I heard something the other day on a podcast about how many people have friend groups that were formed between September and December of their first year in college. In my experience, it’s true.

As we move into adulthood, however, the opportunities to create community seem to abate — for many, at least. Men, in particular, are finding it harder to make friends. We want to dig into this more in a future issue.

I don’t have the answer.

What I can tell you is this: being both intentional and opportunistic can help.

Reaching out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while.

Restarting an old tradition. Creating a new one.

Trying something new — like pickleball or skating — and meeting others learning it, too.

Above all, cultivating a stance of openness and giving yourself grace.

Have a great weekend!

Be well,

-Bryce