Hi, again. It's been a bit since my last post. I have lots of news to share in the coming days and weeks. For now, I'm thinking deeply about social health -- and about ways to reconnect.
This topic intrigues me too! My sense is that like most things, the best ways for us each to create social health will be deeply personal, with no blueprint as such.
In my younger days I worked jobs where I HAD to be in connection with people most of the time, and it depleted me. Now, my work means I get to discern who I am working closely with and when, and it is such a relief. But, when I'm not working it's silence, solitary swims, walks, writing, and quiet time with my family that I reach for most of the time.
But I am contrary and do like being 'out' as well....e.g. partner dancing is one of my favourite ways to spend an evening. I love that it's possible to have connection with a complete stranger, feel in flow with them, and have a shared experience without having to say very much at all - all because you both love dancing!
In terms of online connection, something I've enjoyed this year, is gathering with a small group of women to work the Artist's Way - this has given me deep connection, with a light structure (we meet once every two weeks on Zoom) and sense of purpose and has supported my solitary creative practice which feels like the best of both worlds.
I love your comments, Claire. You so beautifully capture the mindset I share about coaching. And what a cool thing you’re doing with your women’s group. How inspiring.
I’m fascinated by this topic as well and it seems everywhere I turn, someone is spouting the benefits/value of connection. As a very happy introvert, I keep looking for some representation in this conversation. My alone time is deeply nourishing, restorative and I’d even go as far as to say more important than the time I spend with others. That said, my work is constantly engaging with people, and often through very deep, reflective connection, but it’s all digital. But at the end of my work day, I long for nature, silence and time with my husband and cats.
I’d love to hear what the research is saying about digital connections and if they are seeing the same benefits as they do with in-person gatherings. And I’d also like to hear a more balanced argument for connection that includes nature and animals.
Oooh, I love these reflections (and share so many, especially as an introvert). Thank you for such thoughtful questions. I’ll be sure to include them when I reach out to the author.
I love this, Christine - feels like the start of a new work, "The Anatomy of the Accidental Influencer." But more importantly, your goal for building and nurturing community speaks to me. We writers soo often soldier along in our lonesome toil without the community of people who understand that--and only get to come up for air when--and if--we are lucky enough to publish.
A couple of years ago, I started a writing group that grew out of a writing retreat in the mountains of Maryland, and that group has been a lifeline for me in so many ways!
I also think Substack provides a wonderful, serendipitous virtual community for writers (if, sometimes, confusing and overwhelming!) But it is also the social space that feels the most organic to me to connect as a writer.
And as someone who spent time reaching out to #booktokers and #bookstagrammers when the latest book in my Edge of Yesterday YA time-travel adventure series came out in 2022, I can attest to how wild it can be to compete for the attentions of all those young fresh-faced social influencers with their breathless summaries and recommendations who are the new gatekeepers for promoting new pubs. Phew!
Oh Robin, I love how you write so authentically and I deeply relate with your approach to building literary community. I’m so honored to connect with you.
This topic intrigues me too! My sense is that like most things, the best ways for us each to create social health will be deeply personal, with no blueprint as such.
In my younger days I worked jobs where I HAD to be in connection with people most of the time, and it depleted me. Now, my work means I get to discern who I am working closely with and when, and it is such a relief. But, when I'm not working it's silence, solitary swims, walks, writing, and quiet time with my family that I reach for most of the time.
But I am contrary and do like being 'out' as well....e.g. partner dancing is one of my favourite ways to spend an evening. I love that it's possible to have connection with a complete stranger, feel in flow with them, and have a shared experience without having to say very much at all - all because you both love dancing!
In terms of online connection, something I've enjoyed this year, is gathering with a small group of women to work the Artist's Way - this has given me deep connection, with a light structure (we meet once every two weeks on Zoom) and sense of purpose and has supported my solitary creative practice which feels like the best of both worlds.
I love your comments, Claire. You so beautifully capture the mindset I share about coaching. And what a cool thing you’re doing with your women’s group. How inspiring.
I’m fascinated by this topic as well and it seems everywhere I turn, someone is spouting the benefits/value of connection. As a very happy introvert, I keep looking for some representation in this conversation. My alone time is deeply nourishing, restorative and I’d even go as far as to say more important than the time I spend with others. That said, my work is constantly engaging with people, and often through very deep, reflective connection, but it’s all digital. But at the end of my work day, I long for nature, silence and time with my husband and cats.
I’d love to hear what the research is saying about digital connections and if they are seeing the same benefits as they do with in-person gatherings. And I’d also like to hear a more balanced argument for connection that includes nature and animals.
Oooh, I love these reflections (and share so many, especially as an introvert). Thank you for such thoughtful questions. I’ll be sure to include them when I reach out to the author.
I love this, Christine - feels like the start of a new work, "The Anatomy of the Accidental Influencer." But more importantly, your goal for building and nurturing community speaks to me. We writers soo often soldier along in our lonesome toil without the community of people who understand that--and only get to come up for air when--and if--we are lucky enough to publish.
A couple of years ago, I started a writing group that grew out of a writing retreat in the mountains of Maryland, and that group has been a lifeline for me in so many ways!
I also think Substack provides a wonderful, serendipitous virtual community for writers (if, sometimes, confusing and overwhelming!) But it is also the social space that feels the most organic to me to connect as a writer.
And as someone who spent time reaching out to #booktokers and #bookstagrammers when the latest book in my Edge of Yesterday YA time-travel adventure series came out in 2022, I can attest to how wild it can be to compete for the attentions of all those young fresh-faced social influencers with their breathless summaries and recommendations who are the new gatekeepers for promoting new pubs. Phew!
Oh Robin, I love how you write so authentically and I deeply relate with your approach to building literary community. I’m so honored to connect with you.