I’ve developed a habit of finding ways to assimilate into the lives of the people I visit. And actively try to be a part of doing what they do / how they do it.
And with all we have to do these days, and the demands on our time, it can be a nice way to spend quality time with someone without them needing to make too much effort. It’s an exercise in being present. In meeting people where they’re at. In experiencing the ways others live.
And it’s usually a good change of pace. Insightful. Fun.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about assimilating is this one time I visited my friend Ben a looooong time ago. We took a walk and did his Saturday routine, included things like going to the cleaners, his favorite second-hand store, and a few other stops that are eluding my memory.
I love running errands with people. It feels like one of the best ways to hang out. Getting things done that need to get done while spending time together. Do we need to be sitting down somewhere in order for the time we spend together to be meaningful? Who doesn’t love to kill two birds with one stone?
This also includes experiences like last weekend when I traded in my yoga mat for a spin bike to be with my sister and brother-in-law at their new favorite exercise venue of choice, Ryde Cycle in Arlington. Some of those 5AM’ish wake ups we rough, but I was glad to experience an important part of their life these days. And still got a daily workout in.
Or experiences like last night when my Dad wanted us to celebrate his birthday at the grocery store next to his office, a spot he eats lunch at 3’ish times a week. We got to meet his peeps, sample his regular lunch fare, and had a lovely meal. Aside from being healthy, tasty, and fresh… it was a *great* deal.
But how about you? When was the last time you did something to experience someone else’s life?
Or who is someone that matters to you, someone you’d like to spend some (extra) time with? And when can you find some time to assimilate into a small part of their life for an hour, or two, or a few?
