human connection
I’ve been talking for a while now about how I believe people are seeking human connection with aligned people more than ever. And, I think this demand is only going to grow with the lack of authenticity we are starting to see with AI—one of the only ways to know you’re actually engaging with another person is to a.) be with that person or b.) have a relationship with them to know that the online interactions are real. There are plenty of articles about how people are lonelier than ever, despite having the world at their fingertips.
Instead of just talking about it and giving other people ideas of how they can foster community and provide in-person experiences, I’m going to do it my Self when the weather turns warmer this spring.
I have three experiences: two will start out in person, and one will start out on Zoom. I’m excited to launch them. Naturally, I have a vision for how each grows—the in-person events going on the road with me whenever I travel, and the Zoom experience eventually becoming in-person as my local community grows (possibly even taking it on the road as well).
Here are my experiences:
1.) The PRST Ruck Club. I love the idea of a run club, but I just don’t enjoy running. Last summer, Ang and I did a lot of walks with weight vests on. I really enjoyed those walks, and after listening to a podcast about the benefits of walking with weight, the idea of the PRST ruck club was born. I’m thinking about setting a day of the week and time for those interested in going for an hour-long hike to gather. There will only be a couple of “rules”—no headphones or electronics during the hike, come with a willingness to converse with new people, and no assholes. Naturally, there will be discussions and prompts about the Authentic Life, but the goal of the PRST Ruck Club is to bring together like-minded people on a regular basis to participate in an activity that supports the alignment of our spirit, mind, and body.
2.) PRST Yoga In The Park. I have a couple of friends with their yoga teacher's licenses (2027 is the year I plan to work towards my yoga teacher’s license), whom I am planning to collaborate with on a yoga flow in the park. Similar to the Ruck Club, I plan to pick a day and time each week, and the location will usually be the same: Brooks School Park in Fishers, as there is a huge open field that should allow us to always find space. I’m also thinking about seeing if my yoga studio would be open to being a location for some hot yoga sessions if the weather doesn’t cooperate, or to mix it up a bit.
Again, this is an opportunity to bring like-minded people together to participate in an activity that supports the alignment of our spirit, mind, and body.
3.) Intentional Conversations On Zoom. Ideally, I’d prefer this to be in person, but starting on Zoom will make it easier to get started. These conversations won’t be on a regular schedule like the Ruck Club and Yoga. Periodically, I hope at least once a month, I plan to schedule an open Zoom meeting with a podcast episode, blog post, video, or even just a couple of questions as prompts for those who attend to discuss. My role will be to facilitate the conversation, not be the expert in the “room.”
As these experiences grow, I hope to bring them with me whenever I travel. I’ll most likely be in Huntington Beach later this summer for our annual AGC™ event before a big conference, so I’ll either find a local yoga instructor to collaborate with or bring my backpack and 30lb. weight so I can organize a walk. Afterwards, we head over to my favorite coffee and acai spot for coffee on me and continued conversations and bonding. It would be really cool and meaningful if I shared the details in a Weekly Note and a few people, if not more, showed up.
I can even envision doing the same for the intentional conversations and hosting it at a coffee shop or park.
Naturally, I’ve already thought about t-shirts for the Ruck Club and Yoga, but I’m going to hold off on those until I get a few experiences under my belt.
A few more important details:
All of these will be free—just show up.
All of the details will be shared in my Weekly Note, well in advance. So, if any of this sounds appealing to you, I recommend subscribing to the Weekly Note. I’ll probably announce the first couple on social media to bring as much attention to it as possible, but eventually I’ll move all announcements exclusively to the Weekly Note or word-of-mouth. I’d love to see these grow into large groups, but I only want “authenticists” there—kind of an underground, IYKYK thing.
And of course, I’ll have someone documenting the experiences to create content showing the magic of human connection, so be prepared to give your permission to be in videos or pics.
I’m really excited to see these become reality, and I’m even more excited about what they create for those who participate.
Stay tuned as the weather should be turning nice soon, and the first events will be happening.
Keep pursuing,
JC
