I found Emergent Commons while I was searching for a community that was part of the metamodern SPACE. I expected such a community to be a place where I could build meaningful connections with like-minded people. Two years later, I have more new friends than time, a very nice problem indeed.
Last year one EC member, Kevin, initiated a private Zoom meeting with me. We had been working together on an EC volunteer team but he wanted something more. I gladly agreed and we had a pleasant online visit.
Our relationship grew as we joined each other’s Crews. Kevin also became more interested in the community that I live in, Lakeside, Mexico. And then he took a big step, indicating that he would like to visit me in person.
I was thrilled that an online friend would want to make such an effort. He lives in Dallas, about a two-and-a-half-hour flight to Guadalajara. But door-to-door is about six hours and travel these days is often not a comfortable experience.
Meeting an online friend in person has risks. But my intuition told me the risk was low. Kevin was very much the person I expected. One of the strengths of Emergent Commons is that members mostly relate in very authentic ways.
Pat and I drove to the airport on Monday to meet Kevin and take him to his hotel. I had helped him find accommodations within walking distance of our home. The arrangement proved quite satisfactory. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we spent a lot of time together and talked and talked, engaging in meaningful conversations. In the evenings the three of us went out for dinner together. I was very pleased that Pat and Kevin quickly were at ease with each other.
On Thursday morning there was time for one more morning coffee together and then back to the airport for an early afternoon flight.
We discussed repeating this experience sometime in 2024. That is something to look forward to. We even dreamed of a little Emergent Commons Conference here sometime.