Learning the Ways of Life

This past Wednesday night, we had a weekly steering comity meeting of West Marin Commons.  The main topic of discussion was the evolving complexity of the commons and how does West Marin Commons (W.M.C) represent and sustain itself as a facilitator of it.  Essentially, West Marin Commons has been so successful, that it has become necessary to change the way the group is organized in its structure.  Part of its evolution from a small, grassroots movement, to a more locally established presence, the overall communal participation has illuminated the various aspects that make up W.M.C.  A recently new aspect in its evolution is the creation of five sub categories that make up W.M.C: Commons Spaces, Commons Collaboration, Commons Connect, Commons Celebration, and Commons Knowledge.  Each of these categories are independent but interconnected within their principles of the concept of the commons.  The struggle with W.M.C. is how do you incorporate all of these sub categories in a way where they do not become separate from one another?  That is where the discussion of how to organize the overall structure of W.M.C. comes into play.

At these weekly meetings, I don't say much.  I am more of an outsider observing and listening to the inner workings of an incredibly inspiring group of people that ban together for W.M.C.  Part of my lack of vocals is due to the fact that  I am a newcomer.  I need to listen before  I can add my input and opinions.  Another reason is that I am learning I tend to vocalize my ideas before I've given them any thought.  In these weeks of spending time to myself, there is a lot of self-reflection, and the little time that I do get to socialize, I notice that I am frantic and overly chatty in nature.  So dad, hope you read this, because I think I inherited it from you. :)

I have this inherent feeling of excitement and almost anxiousness in my everyday dialogue with others.  Doesn't matter who it may be, I tend to over talk.  Another frustration of mine is that in my verbal spewing, I realize I say things differently from what I'm truly thinking.  I struggle with the ability to articulate myself in a way where I am understood by others.  I notice that I can also articulate myself best when I am writing.  Why this is, is because writing my thoughts is a physical act.  It takes time to physically write, therefore, I am taking the time to think about what I want to say.  So, in these weekly meetings,  I am training myself to just listen and formulate my thoughts before I speak.  I hope to someday be a more mindful socialite and listen more and talk less.  I want my words to really count.  I want to be honest and fully support the words I speak.  This is something I think our society has to learn in general.  Life is too fast.  Plain and simple.  So, what I hope you take away from this blunt discourse on life, is to formulate your own opinions, and stop talking.  Life takes time, so give it the time it deserves.

I promise to follow this post with an explanation of what the five sub-categories that make up W.M.C. are.

Yours Truly,
Tessa