Isolationism is so interesting in the USA. I have lived on two big islands (New Zealand and Puerto Rico a US Territory) and both of these islands have been much more community oriented than most of the continental USA. I do think that there's an awareness of how connected and interdependent we actually are on an island, and I appreciate the more communal spirit. It's lovely to hear how much kindness there is in Mexico, too!
Yeah, that's interesting about island life, Michelle. I wonder if there is a component of being "set" in a place that breeds more community. On an island, your freedom of movement is constrained (not totally, of course) by the physical boundaries of the island (to an extent), so perhaps there is more of a sense of "we're all in this together". A lot of people in Mexico are "set" in a place due to economic factors. Perhaps there is something to all that. On the other hand, why not commune with your neighbors? It just makes sense! Maybe you island dwellers have more sense than the rest of us (I mean, you did have to good sense to live in NZ and PR 😉). Thanks for the comment, Michelle!
Oct 17, 2023·edited Oct 17, 2023Liked by Mike Leavy
A very beautiful article, Mike. You've articulated very well that sort of sensation that I've had regarding the state of the states, so to speak.
It's as if the difference between objective right and wrong has become too elusive, or maybe just too unknown as the "privatizing of morality" (from the David Brooks article) rises.
I too have had various experiences here in Mexico with helpful people, and these small encounters have added up over time to help me become a better person. There's certainty a different community vibe here.
Many thanks for sharing your thoughts, and thanks for footnote shout. Fun surprise :)
"these small encounters have added up over time to help me become a better person" - I love that! It is so true, I do believe Mexico has made me a better person as well, as I reflect back to others the acts of kindness and caring that I have experienced here. Thank you for the comment, and for being an inspiration.
p.s. I'll try not to reflect back any of my experiences at the CFE office 😵💫
Speak it brother Mike! (It just felt like the way I had to respond to this post!).
You are noting and reflecting back to us such important elements of life. The story about the sunscreen is such a small and huge example, all at the same time. I am so grateful you are sharing yourself in this way with us. 🙏🏼
Ah, thank you Doug. I truly appreciate your kind words. I will try to continue "speaking" it and sharing as much as possible (except, of course, if I ever go to Vegas). Thanks for the comment!
Isolationism is so interesting in the USA. I have lived on two big islands (New Zealand and Puerto Rico a US Territory) and both of these islands have been much more community oriented than most of the continental USA. I do think that there's an awareness of how connected and interdependent we actually are on an island, and I appreciate the more communal spirit. It's lovely to hear how much kindness there is in Mexico, too!
Yeah, that's interesting about island life, Michelle. I wonder if there is a component of being "set" in a place that breeds more community. On an island, your freedom of movement is constrained (not totally, of course) by the physical boundaries of the island (to an extent), so perhaps there is more of a sense of "we're all in this together". A lot of people in Mexico are "set" in a place due to economic factors. Perhaps there is something to all that. On the other hand, why not commune with your neighbors? It just makes sense! Maybe you island dwellers have more sense than the rest of us (I mean, you did have to good sense to live in NZ and PR 😉). Thanks for the comment, Michelle!
I just want to know if you put on sunscreen after that encouragement! Lol
I don't recall, but I somehow doubt it...
A very beautiful article, Mike. You've articulated very well that sort of sensation that I've had regarding the state of the states, so to speak.
It's as if the difference between objective right and wrong has become too elusive, or maybe just too unknown as the "privatizing of morality" (from the David Brooks article) rises.
I too have had various experiences here in Mexico with helpful people, and these small encounters have added up over time to help me become a better person. There's certainty a different community vibe here.
Many thanks for sharing your thoughts, and thanks for footnote shout. Fun surprise :)
"these small encounters have added up over time to help me become a better person" - I love that! It is so true, I do believe Mexico has made me a better person as well, as I reflect back to others the acts of kindness and caring that I have experienced here. Thank you for the comment, and for being an inspiration.
p.s. I'll try not to reflect back any of my experiences at the CFE office 😵💫
Speak it brother Mike! (It just felt like the way I had to respond to this post!).
You are noting and reflecting back to us such important elements of life. The story about the sunscreen is such a small and huge example, all at the same time. I am so grateful you are sharing yourself in this way with us. 🙏🏼
Ah, thank you Doug. I truly appreciate your kind words. I will try to continue "speaking" it and sharing as much as possible (except, of course, if I ever go to Vegas). Thanks for the comment!