Comfort Zones

Recently, as restrictions have eased, I have come to realize how much a hermit I had become. I arrive at church and head directly for my pew. After church, I head straight to the door. On walks, I will acknowledge a hello, but never instigate one on my own. The same for grocery stores and other public places.

I decided the last few weeks to step out of my comfort zone again and rejoin with my fellow saints and citizens of this fair planet. I make it a point to get to church early, then linger at the back as others come into the chapel. After church, I strike up a conversation with at least two people, and that usually turns into more. I delight in renewed friendships, and the fledgling promise of new ones. I find myself smiling more and listening more intently. It is a two mile walk to church, during which I was engrossed in my own thoughts. Now, it gives me time to contemplate friendships new and renewed, and what I can do during the week to further those relationships.

On walks and other public places, I greet others that pass with a smile and hello, good morning or good evening. Most respond favorably, though there are still a few curmudgeons out there, focused far too inward to acknowledge. I have yet to stop and engage in conversation with a total stranger, but I am figuring out how to do even that. And yes, comfort zone is a tiny dot in the rear view mirror.

An interesting and unexpected side effect of all of this is that I spend more time looking around as I walk. While searching for those to greet, I find myself admiring cloudscapes, gardens, yards and ponds along the way. Working on my sense of belonging has heightened all my senses. The pandemic may not be over, but we can still take every opportunity to cast off the pall that has settled over us the last year and renew our place among family, friends and strangers.