Physically Meeting New People  Posted
Jun-18-2005
Application of
Creativity Tip #3
Creativity
Tip #3 is "Make it a point to meet new
people outside of your demographic."
People inspire me. All kinds of people. Not just those who
share the same interests, passions, and beliefs. I enjoy meeting
people of all ages who come from a variety of backgrounds and
traditions because they teach me.
That's right. I'm not a know-it-all. My way of doing things
isn't always the best way. And there's so much in the 'banquet
of life' to eat! Like that saying goes, "You
can't have everything. Where would you put it?", I'll
add:
"You can't
experience everything. You don't have the time!"
That's where other people come in. They help fill in the blanks
for me. When I meet someone who has experienced something in
life that I haven't, I become like a curious sponge with questions
ready to absorb any tidbits they care to share. I gain something
from that exchange and walk away with something new that I
didn't have before. This is true even with children. (Hint:
If want to change your perspective for a while, join in with
a group of playing kids.)
We all compile
a novel's worth of life experience along our individual
paths
just
waiting to be shared. Some people are privileged with an
exciting worldly life full of travel, adventure, and other
amazing
things, but I think an average number of us live quite ordinary
lives
balancing education, work, family, and play. Our limited
time is spent on raising our families, paying our bills, and
enjoying
the
in between lulls exploring our passions. Average isn't bad:
even those who live quiet lives have done
things we haven't.
And
that's
why I love meeting them!
Okay, now about the "physically meeting" part. I
certainly won't knock any of the virtual friends and acquaintances
I've
met online. Their part in teaching me and expanding my world
is one of the greatest gifts I am thankful for each day. But
striving for balance, I've realized the importance of keeping
in touch with things in the real world despite the ease of
behind-the-screen socializing. In other words, we benefit from
PHYSICALLY being in the company of other people. A (((hug)))
isn't the same as a firm wrap-around-the-other embrace, is
it? Besides, when we are in the company of others, we experience
their total human-ness (and they us), and that really draws
us closer and completes the learning circle.
Keeping in step with Creativity Tip #3 (i.e. practicing what
I preach) I recently became a member of a non-profit organization
emphasizing spiritual growth, psychological well-being, and
creative development
for women (and men) in all seasons of life.
Having already
attended a few functions and workshops, I've noticed that
a majority of members are significantly ahead of me in age
and
life experience. Instead of wishing there were more people
my age to relate to, being with those outside of
my demographic encourages and excites me. Why? Because unbeknownst
to
them,
all of the
seasoned, wiser women I cross paths with will become my
mentors. Their life stories, spiritual experiences, and
artistic
perspectives
will inspire and teach me.
Now how could
that *not* be exciting? (© 2005 Chris Dunmire) • |
