Like many of you, I'm feeling anxious with the times. Taking a mini break from art talk to share a story I wrote a while back feels right. More than ever, the small, consistent kindnesses and rituals that connect us are essential. They make us all better at being human:
A couple of miles into a morning hike and I've been jolted from my solitude several times to practice what used to be considered common courtesy—saying, “Hello.” Hikers are a generally a friendly lot, so "hello" can sometimes morph into an actual conversation—what's blooming, what birds you've spotted, often adding an extra moment to scratch a four-legged furry hiker behind the ear. I've chatted with folks whose ancestors used to live on the lands I was walking, hunters out scouting game trails, and kids whose curiosity was infectious. I've never left these encounters without a genuine good feeling. So when did it become okay to pass within a few feet of another human without any greeting at all, essentially pretending they're not there? I'm not talking about bustling city streets where greeting passersby is impossible and even weird. People are starting to use isolating, big city behavior out in the woods. I don't like it and here is my rule- you don't get to pass by me on the trail without a greeting. Don't even get me going on people wearing earbuds or talking on their phone. You're still going to get my attention, like it or not. (And by the way, you're missing an incredible symphony of soul-soothing wild sounds and interactions.) Paying attention to others in small ways, like saying "hello," matters. It's an affirmation. It signals respect. It takes time, and sometimes, courage. Offering a greeting requires a willingness to be open and to learn something new. Paying attention to ourselves, our surroundings, and each other is a foundation of healthy being, and indeed, a healthy society. So please don't think walking by your fellow humans without a greeting is normal. For most of us, in many circumstances, it's not. It's a symptom of societal “dis-ease," disconnection, and distraction. Civility, courtesy, even “common decency,” call it what you will. Please pay attention to others along your path. Kindly acknowledge them. A simple “hello” will do. Comments are closed.
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Artist and naturalist Michelle Louis has a vigorous curiosity about the natural world. Her energetic, investment-quality paintings bring balance and harmony Archives
October 2024
©2023 Michelle Louis All rights reserved. Content and images are property of the artist.
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