Power Circles

It was 2020 and a strange new virus had shut down most of the world. We were leaving Palm Springs and heading home for much of the same self-imposed isolation back in Minnesota. The year was turning out like no other we had experienced before.

Unlike Sharon who was quite comfortable being sequestered in our house that summer because of COVID-19, I was chomping at the bit to ‘get out of Dodge.’ LA Fitness was off limits as were restaurants, the library and other past social gathering spots. As it turned out the best part of that adjusted summer was reacquainting myself with old friends and solidifying friendships with new ones. I called them my ‘coffee and chat’ sessions.

Two articles in Natural Awakenings magazine brought this to mind.

Both articles talked about the power and purpose of community and social interaction. One commented that: ‘There is a growing movement that encourages us to find our tribe-those that resonate with our own core values, interests and lifestyles. While historically associated with Indigenous groups, a ‘tribe’ is defined as a social division consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect. The point is to surround ourselves with supportive individuals that uplift us and provide a sense of belonging.’

My own personal experience found that one-on-one exchange was the best way to connect with others. Three’s a crowd, four is too large. Personal exchange between two consenting adults makes for great intellectual interaction on a wide variety of topics.

My first conversational exchange began innocently enough. One of my friends and I discovered the solitude of a lakeside pavilion looking over still waters in the crisp early morning air. It was the perfect peaceful setting for great coffee and thoughtful, insightful, challenging conversations. The surroundings were pretty spectacular too.

For my other friends, the outdoor settings varied from parks, patios, porches, shelters, and other drafty spots with plenty of air circulation and room for our camp chairs spread apart. It worked like a charm so much so that most of us agreed it was a pleasant alternative to the traditional nosey, crowded coffee shops of the past.

Sharon whimsically called them my playdates. I prefer to call them as cerebral salons, catch-up sessions, or simply strengthening the bonds of friendship. It all comes down to enjoying several hours of easy discussion, contemplation, soul-sharing thoughts and sharing the warmth of true friendship. Well-earned reminiscing challenging entrenched thinking, clarifying the past, filling in the memory gap.

Over time, natural attrition and life changes have reduced the group by a couple of members. The ones that survived have grown in depth and sharing; for each of us a very nurturing experience. Each spring when I return from Palm Springs, I try to replicate some of what we captured that first summer when the early morning sun warmed our camping spots and added to the serenity of our friendship.

True wealth comes in good health and friendships. I am a very wealthy person.