I think you can understand what health is by considering the three main characteristics of healthy organisms – adaptability, creativity and engagement. In France, probably every town and every village has its “boulodrome” – a patch of sand where people play “petanque”. It seems completely informal. Just a space to use by whoever wants to use it. I think it’s a great example of designing social engagement into the spaces where people live.
Look at these guys enjoying themselves. It’s not hard to understand the importance of social engagement for human beings, is it?
Heroes Not Zombies 
Here’s a question, Doc; do you think that online engagement, such as in the forum you’ve set up here, is equivalent?
While I treasure the interaction I have with my online friends (I keep checking back to see if my comments have been responded to by the authors, and sometimes I’ll have private email conversations with my blogging friends) I’m not sure I think that’s the same – or as good – as face-to-face, and I’m wondering what others think…
No, mrschili, I don’t think it’s equivalent. I think it’s different. I think, in fact, it’s fabulous because it expands the range of my contacts way, way beyond what I’d have if I only connected with people in my home town. My wife recently commented “What a hugely diverse range of readers you have!” I don’t think I’d have found such diversity locally. However, the face-to-face engagements we have are of a different quality altogether.
I really do think being engaged with people sharing the same space/time with us AS WELL AS being engaged with people from all round the world through blogging and emailing is just FABULOUS! I treasure both
Great post and photos. And i agree with your response to the comment here. Sometimes I’ll go stop by the doughnut shop for a coffee and relax there enjoying the presence of others–I think we as people, for the most part, are communal beings.
Yeah, that’s what I think, too. I’m hesitant to rank one kind of interaction over the other, though, because I really DO treasure my online community. Through it, I get a range of ideas and perspectives and questions that I’d never be able to get locally. I’ve got blogging friends all over the world – from up the street to the south and west coast of the U.S. to Australia and you and Amy in Scotland (and France and Tokyo and wherever the heck else you seem to end up!). I love the opportunity you all afford me to think in new ways and to consider points of view I’d never get to on my own.
I’m practically giddy with excitement about meeting some of my blogging friends in real life in April. I’m headed to the south of the U.S. to meet with my online book club buddies, and I can’t wait to add that dimension to our relationship. Someday, you’re going to find Mrs. Chili on your doorstep, too. Amy’s been posting pictures and making me homesick for a place I’ve not yet been….
I agree with the comments about face-to-face engagements being different. Body language, eye-contact, the setting, the noise and smell of the environment all add unique qualities to an interaction. It is tough so share a cup of coffee over cyberspace or break bread with a friend. Also, words on the screen tend to hide certain aspects of us even though we may open up more online than in person.
I just have to say I’m stunned with these pictures. It’s just the kind of thing I’d probably just walk by if I had been there in your place and, yet, the way you looked at these scenes and how you developed yours thoughts over them was very touching!
One of the greatest challenges of aging is the gradual loss of our social networks. We do not play petanque here, but, when looking these gray-haired gentleman having their good-time, I couldn’t help to think that I wish I’ll have this kind of friendship at their age. Maybe for a daily chess game?
A poet once said that there’s no such thing as dying of old-age, for old people die out of the loneliness left by those who went before.