Finding Community Among the Cabbages

I’m struck by how often these days we get to see the nasty side of people.  As roads are more congested, and traffic jams get worse, rude gestures become almost commonplace.  As we protect ourselves more and more from theft or intrusion, we put up fences, locks, and security alarms, and end up not even knowing our neighbours.  The little transactions that make up our days: banking, pumping gas, even grocery shopping, can all be done by machine, for maximum efficiency, with a minimum of human interaction.  Even the simple things, like going for a walk, can be fraught with discord, as the dog-owners disapprove of the bicyclists, and vice versa.  Common courtesy is not so common any more.

Many of us long for a sense of community, a feeling of belonging. Where can we go to find that comfort, that home away from home?  We don’t find it in exclusive clubs, nor in gated communities.  By excluding the unwanted elements, we seem to shut down to others as well. Some find community in church groups, in schools, or in structured activities at municipal community centres.  In other words, finding  community has become something we have to work at.

But wait.  There is a place available to all, that features people who actually like to have eye contact.  A place where can be heard such rare expressions as:  “That’s okay” or “Go ahead, you first”.    A place where acceptance is the order of the day.  

Where could this be?  Why, a farmers market, that’s where!  At farmers markets, people bring their entire personalities.  We let our hair down.  We bring our dogs, our children, our eating habits.  We assume that others there share our interests:  in fresh, local food, in arts, crafts and diversity, in the people who come to sell, and in the others who come to buy.  We admire each others’ dogs and babies, we laugh out loud, we sway to the music.  We smile at each other, make jokes, share recipes, tell stories.  We make contact.  We make friends.  The ‘chore’ of acquiring the groceries can become the highlight of the week.   All this, and get the shopping done, too!

There are farmers markets in most, if not all, communities.  Look for one near you. It’s a great way to get to know your people.  Visit one soon.   And let me know if you agree with me.