The real epidemic in our culture is not just physical heart disease; it’s what I call emotional and spiritual heart disease; the sense of loneliness, isolation and alienation that is so prevalent in our culture because of the breakdown of the social networks that used to give us a sense of connection and community.
Dean Ornish, March 1996
I find it interesting that Ornish wrote the above quote over 20 years ago in the forward to a book titled Kitchen Table Wisdom, which is a wonderful book I’m presently reading. And, this epidemic he talks about has continued to grow. His quote has caused me to reflect on how my friend Jeff and I seem to be creating a community and a place for connection at the coffee shop without intentionally doing it. He and I sit in the small alcove that has four chairs and a small table. Without intending to, we have created an inviting, and I believe safe, environment for people. More and more people now walk by and say good morning while on their way to work, school or grabbing coffee while walking their dog. I’m happy to say some have begun to sit down and join us, which has created wonderful friendships. And when people see this it invites even more people to connect and a community forms. The circle grows. It’s letting me know people want a sense of connection and community and will step into it when given the chance and feel safe enough.
4 Comments
Earl
Ironically, we call these associations online social networks when in truth they seem to be anything but. They isolate us and, in most cases, prevent us from connecting at a more human level with those we participate with. Many people measure success by how many “friends” they can accumulate, as if the vast majority of contacts were true friends. I doubt many ever feel the camaraderie and connection that you and Jeff experience with those in the coffee shop.
This is a fantastic photo, Monte…The vibrant and complementary colors blow me away. Nice!!
Monte Stevens
You are so right. I smile at the idea that online social networks are a way of connecting. They do not offer others to sit down and make eye contact or to watch body language or offer a hug when necessary. That’s connection! And, this image was in the archives, kept for some reason and now give life. I like it!
Faye White
I agree that online conversations have become mostly antisocial. The are ‘social media influencers’ for crying out loud. But in the early days it was a way to connect with others who shared a common interest, photography for example. I am grateful for the people I have come to ‘know of’, if only for a brief time.
Monte Stevens
My social media experience was a couple years on Facebook and about a year on Twitter. I let go of them several years ago and have no regrets. I’m not sure my life is less without them. Could be better even. I spent a lot more time on pbase and the community I discovered there. Every once in awhile I wonder where some of those folks are. Well, I know where you are!