Getting out and making real connections
I’m moving about more and recovering well from my hip operation – being a good patient (mostly!) and, with my physio exercises, teaching myself how to walk properly again. We had a fun and challenging trip to France for a family wedding last month, I must say that ‘extra assistance’ at the airport and on the plane was a godsend, we had a marvellous time.
I’m easing myself back into tutoring and workshops this month and I’ve also got a treat to look forward to – an art retreat to learn a new skill. I say ‘easing’, I’m actually getting booked up and need to do some preparatory work for the upcoming workshops so will be quite busy in the next few weeks.
I’m a firm believer that you’re never too old to learn something new and I love to juggle that with sharing my passion and expertise for sculpture and Powertex creations.
One of the things I love about the variety of learning and teaching that I get to do is the people I meet and what they share with me. I wouldn’t have found out about the art retreat I'm going on next month if I hadn’t have spoken to Fiona, another Powertex tutor who filled me in. And I’m sure I’ll get to know some interesting people while I’m there on the four day course.
In this age of online communications, it’s easy to lose a bit of true connection with people. Having had an enforced break from getting out and meeting people while I convalesced, I’m loving the power of a face to face conversation again.
Almost every situation is improved by a conversation, it’s the best tool we have to build relationships and communities. You have a deeper connection with people when you can see their face and read their emotions, you can react much quicker to diffuse situations or encourage someone who looks anxious – this can’t happen on an email.
I think we all fall into the trap of thinking that a WhatsApp message or Facebook post is a quicker and more efficient way to communicate but a conversation builds a better connection, especially if it can be accompanied by a coffee or even a bit of lunch!
It’s true that we’re more connected than ever before, but are we truly connecting with people on a level that gives and receives happiness and support?
So as I’m grappling with a class full of 8-11 year olds at a Mixed Media Nature Canvas workshop or trying to get my head and fingers around a Chain Maille jewellery course, I’ll be sure to appreciate the face to face connections I’m making and know that it’s having a special effect on the other people too!
If you’d like to get out and connect with me and others at a Powertex workshop,visit my website to find something you’d like to do at the Artistic ReTreats studio. Or there are also some workshops coming up at Ardington School of Craft later this year.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
