A Yurt
“Hanging out” is a term my teenage sons use ever more frequently. I used to think it was an excuse for spending time with friends without bothering to come up with anything in particular that they might do together. What a waste of time! …Except that they seemed to derive so much enjoyment from it that I started to get curious.
Where do you “hang out”? Where are you happy to spend time just “being” with friends, family or colleagues? How does the environment you decide to work, play or pray in affect how enjoyable or productive that experience is?
Something I’ve noticed about small sustainable businesses is that, when they have meetings, often it’s in someone’s house or garden, a local cafe or a cabin (or yurt). Not only are these places low cost venues financially and in terms of the environment (because they are small scale and local to those involved) but they have a far less formal atmosphere than conventional business meeting places. The emphasis is no longer on using the venue to impress, but rather the priority is on finding an environment that fits the mood, purpose and ethos of the business being conducted.
Similarly, in our personal lives, how much attention do we give to creating sacred spaces and meeting places in our homes and gardens? Is there a space where it’s pleasant to eat together, chat together or sit alone in peace and quiet reflection?
Having tried it, I now understand a little bit more about “hanging out”. I’ve discovered that it can even be used to diffuse challenging conversations. Moving into a different space (e.g. going out for a leisurely walk) can change the whole energy of a discussion. If you spend a lot of your time at home because you’re working from home and/or home educating your children, you might need some spaces away from the home that you can individually or collectively go to when you need some time to relax, brainstorm an idea or release some energy.
Where do you like to “hang out”?
This site seeks to explore the heart and soul of downshifting to a more sustainable, ethical and holistic way of living and working, in keeping with the needs of the planet, humanity as a whole and ourselves as individuals. 
I’ve created the spaces in the garden but forget to hang out in them!
I like the idea of creating spaces away from home – I really needed that tip. Thanks Sally, you’re brilliant as usual!
Beverley
Oh yes, I’ve done that too! There’s a reason why I write these posts you know i.e. mostly because I’m the one who needs to learn from them lol!
I read somewhere (Monty Don I think) about the benefit of creating “rooms” within your garden – different enclosed or semi-enclosed areas and I thought “Lovely idea, I’ll create a pretty little room around a small wooden seat.” I then fantasised about how pleasant it would be to sit in this newly created area with my favourite book and a cup of soothing herb tea. Well, we created the space last summer…and my intention is to actually sit out in it this year!
Thanks for your encouraging post Beverley and it’s great to see you here.