10 person circular tables are the default at weddings because, the story goes, it’s the optimal size and shape to maximise the number of people in the room, while also having enough space to serve people food.

And so we sit at awkwardly too-large-to-talk-across table talking to (either) the person on our right or left.

No wonder people head to the bar for a real chat.

What other things in life have a negative impact on our ability or opportunity to connect that we take for granted as ‘just how it is done’?

Here’s a few you might find on your street:

Six foot fences.
Internal access garages
Cars
Retirement villages

How much do you see, let alone know your neighbours? Would you recognise them at the supermarket?

What’s getting in the way of connection?

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Our connection to whatever little corner of the planet we find ourselves in, or choose to place ourselves on, matters.

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My interests are scattered across topics including property, strategy, acoustics, psychology, theology, systems theory, quantum physics and leadership. I read, listen, watch, and learn about whatever grabs my attention in the moment.

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I come here to try to make sense of something I’ve come across, by writing about it.

I’m immersing myself in a new language.

I’m learning to speak Te Reo Māori, the language of the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand and one of our official languages. After spending 2020 studying, I’m figuring out how to keep the journey going outside the classroom.

You’re welcome to follow along.