So much interesting stuff to chew on here. I, too, wish we were less car-centric, and more neighborhood-focused. I grew up in the country; there was no neighborhood because there were no neighbors! Then I moved to NYC which is hyper local (and later Paris, which is the same). I loved that I could get nearly everything I needed in a ten block radius, and everything was done on foot. I got to know my neighbors, saw the same people all the time, and found a real intimacy in a place where people who aren't from there think there is none. Now, for nearly two decades, I've been tucked in a wooded and hilly rural/urban interface in Austin. When I moved here I brought the neighborhood sensibility I learned in NYC. I got to know everyone, spend a lot of time just hanging out on the street. It's a tight-knit place, especially compared to most American neighborhoods these days. But it does take work and intention to maintain some of those relationships, especially with folks who you wouldn't normally click with. In that regard it's like church. And, in fact, I try and bring the same spirit to my street as I do to church: be present, show up, love everyone, even and especially those I find unlovable (and hoping they do the same for me who, no doubt, many of them find unlovable), offer rides to and from doctors and airports. It adds busyness to an already busy life, but it also adds "life" I wouldn't have otherwise. And it's been a great way to raise a kid, showing him the value of knowing and caring for the people and place in which you live. Anyway, thank you for your reflections. They always get me thinking.
Thank you so much, my friend. I'm glad you've been able to embody these qualities in your larger community. I love the idea of adding "life" that you wouldn't have otherwise. That's a beautiful idea.
Thank you for your comments. They always get me thinking too!
So much interesting stuff to chew on here. I, too, wish we were less car-centric, and more neighborhood-focused. I grew up in the country; there was no neighborhood because there were no neighbors! Then I moved to NYC which is hyper local (and later Paris, which is the same). I loved that I could get nearly everything I needed in a ten block radius, and everything was done on foot. I got to know my neighbors, saw the same people all the time, and found a real intimacy in a place where people who aren't from there think there is none. Now, for nearly two decades, I've been tucked in a wooded and hilly rural/urban interface in Austin. When I moved here I brought the neighborhood sensibility I learned in NYC. I got to know everyone, spend a lot of time just hanging out on the street. It's a tight-knit place, especially compared to most American neighborhoods these days. But it does take work and intention to maintain some of those relationships, especially with folks who you wouldn't normally click with. In that regard it's like church. And, in fact, I try and bring the same spirit to my street as I do to church: be present, show up, love everyone, even and especially those I find unlovable (and hoping they do the same for me who, no doubt, many of them find unlovable), offer rides to and from doctors and airports. It adds busyness to an already busy life, but it also adds "life" I wouldn't have otherwise. And it's been a great way to raise a kid, showing him the value of knowing and caring for the people and place in which you live. Anyway, thank you for your reflections. They always get me thinking.
Thank you so much, my friend. I'm glad you've been able to embody these qualities in your larger community. I love the idea of adding "life" that you wouldn't have otherwise. That's a beautiful idea.
Thank you for your comments. They always get me thinking too!