I love the idea of local Commonplace collectives. Being able to sit and discuss the podcast especially would be fun. Jennie Allen has a similar concept of local groups in the hopes of connecting people locally, sparking conversation, and going deeper in community. It's called IF: Table. It's a monthly blog post that sets the topic, a set of questions to go along with it, and a recipe you can make. I have been receiving her monthly emails for several years now and have appreciated the structure but also the ability to follow the conversation wherever it may lead. I'm not sure if that's helpful/ what you're looking for, but thought I would throw it out there just in case. I absolutely love this idea :)
I know those IF groups you're talking about (Jennie used to be local to me). ...It's sorta-kinda what I mean, but not really. Different focus, different topics (books, subsidiarity, etc.). But yes, I like her format! Thanks for the reminder.
Tsh, I have just turned 60 and have realized that I did take the road of living in a way that pleased my parents, culture and society. Right now, I am creating my own rule of life. However, I would love to have others to share that journey with me. I agree with you the online life has given many of us a false sense of community. I really like your idea about creating IRL communities. I must admit that I have always wanted to have a sister-circle of women to have those real talks with as well as support. I think that you are on the right path.
I’ve often thought it would be a meaningful experience to go through the rule of life course with others- sort of on our own but in the same space, maybe with the opportunity to talk through some parts for verbal processing benefits. (I say this without having really looked at the materials so I don’t know if it really works logistically). The commonplace collectives sound refreshing.
I love this idea. Lately I have been pondering ways to create deeper connections with the people around me, either with neighbors or people at church. Starting a book club was the only thing I’ve come up with so far. Can’t wait to hear more of your thoughts on this topic!
I do like this idea! I’ve been off social media for a couple years now and finding ways to replace that online “community” has been rather difficult (of course, Covid has played a part in challenge).
Two things I’m finding a hard time replicating from social media/online is 1) having a way to share something I’m excited about with others: Whether it’s an artist I just discovered, some creative project that I’m proud of, or family photos we had taken of our family, I don’t know how to share that with people outside of the internet. 2) crowd-souring information or help, like “where’s the best place to get sushi?” or “anyone have a car I could borrow for the afternoon while my car is in the shop?”
I don’t know that a commonplace group would be the solution to those, but maybe it could be a step in that direction?
I definitely think social media has its uses for some reasons, such as both of the ones you mentioned. And that's not a bad thing! For me, I think this letter here on Substack has helped with the first one you listed, and I love seeing more and more people start their own. It reminds me of old-school blogging! And per the second thing you listed, I agree that sometimes social media is great for this (i.e., I asked this weekend for good reading ideas to bring to Italy next week: https://twitter.com/tsh/status/1548864933873475584). In fact, I think hive-mind tapping is one of the best parts of it! But I don't think I'd replace real-life relationships with this benefit to social media — I'd still ask my neighbors and friends for book ideas, a good rec for a mechanic, etc. (I do all the time, now that I think of it) — and I think that speaks well into when social media goes wrong: when it replaces that which we should primarily get IRL.
I love the idea of local Commonplace collectives. Being able to sit and discuss the podcast especially would be fun. Jennie Allen has a similar concept of local groups in the hopes of connecting people locally, sparking conversation, and going deeper in community. It's called IF: Table. It's a monthly blog post that sets the topic, a set of questions to go along with it, and a recipe you can make. I have been receiving her monthly emails for several years now and have appreciated the structure but also the ability to follow the conversation wherever it may lead. I'm not sure if that's helpful/ what you're looking for, but thought I would throw it out there just in case. I absolutely love this idea :)
I know those IF groups you're talking about (Jennie used to be local to me). ...It's sorta-kinda what I mean, but not really. Different focus, different topics (books, subsidiarity, etc.). But yes, I like her format! Thanks for the reminder.
Tsh, I have just turned 60 and have realized that I did take the road of living in a way that pleased my parents, culture and society. Right now, I am creating my own rule of life. However, I would love to have others to share that journey with me. I agree with you the online life has given many of us a false sense of community. I really like your idea about creating IRL communities. I must admit that I have always wanted to have a sister-circle of women to have those real talks with as well as support. I think that you are on the right path.
Thank you for sharing this, Adrienne, and thanks for your encouragement. I wonder how many people are walking around in your same shoes...
I love the idea of commonplace collective groups.
I’ve often thought it would be a meaningful experience to go through the rule of life course with others- sort of on our own but in the same space, maybe with the opportunity to talk through some parts for verbal processing benefits. (I say this without having really looked at the materials so I don’t know if it really works logistically). The commonplace collectives sound refreshing.
That does sound like a meaningful experience, Martha. Agreed.
I love this idea. Lately I have been pondering ways to create deeper connections with the people around me, either with neighbors or people at church. Starting a book club was the only thing I’ve come up with so far. Can’t wait to hear more of your thoughts on this topic!
I mean, book clubs *are* great ways to meet your neighbors! I'm in one and I've met some lovely people from the area.
I do like this idea! I’ve been off social media for a couple years now and finding ways to replace that online “community” has been rather difficult (of course, Covid has played a part in challenge).
Two things I’m finding a hard time replicating from social media/online is 1) having a way to share something I’m excited about with others: Whether it’s an artist I just discovered, some creative project that I’m proud of, or family photos we had taken of our family, I don’t know how to share that with people outside of the internet. 2) crowd-souring information or help, like “where’s the best place to get sushi?” or “anyone have a car I could borrow for the afternoon while my car is in the shop?”
I don’t know that a commonplace group would be the solution to those, but maybe it could be a step in that direction?
I definitely think social media has its uses for some reasons, such as both of the ones you mentioned. And that's not a bad thing! For me, I think this letter here on Substack has helped with the first one you listed, and I love seeing more and more people start their own. It reminds me of old-school blogging! And per the second thing you listed, I agree that sometimes social media is great for this (i.e., I asked this weekend for good reading ideas to bring to Italy next week: https://twitter.com/tsh/status/1548864933873475584). In fact, I think hive-mind tapping is one of the best parts of it! But I don't think I'd replace real-life relationships with this benefit to social media — I'd still ask my neighbors and friends for book ideas, a good rec for a mechanic, etc. (I do all the time, now that I think of it) — and I think that speaks well into when social media goes wrong: when it replaces that which we should primarily get IRL.
I love this idea! It would be so nice to create a local collective.