Connection, Community, and a Café in Amsterdam
There was an article that came across my news feed recently that caught my attention about a café in Amsterdam. It’s a place people go and pretend it’s the 1990s. How do they do that? They check all of their electronics at the door! It happens every Sunday afternoon, and it’s always a packed house. They call it the “Offline Club.”
The afternoon begins with some quiet time where they can each read, journal, or do other quiet work on their own. Then, they move into a social time where, if they want to, they can connect with others in conversation.
The members say that they were strangers when they entered but kindred spirits when they departed back to their lives.
That story made me think more about my own connections and how many times I’ve gone somewhere as a stranger and left feeling connected to the people I’ve met in ways that it would seem we must have known each other much longer. Have you experienced that? Sometimes, it seems that we meet strangers that we immediately recognize as friends we just haven’t met yet. I’ve often thought of them as divine appointments.
Connection has always been a special thread, especially for women. It weaves us into a vibrant community, creating a fabric of support, strength, and shared wisdom. But this kind of connection is more than just socializing, even if that’s where it begins. It’s a lifeline that fosters growth, empowerment, and resilience.
What is it about these encounters that accelerates our way to finding surprising and yet deeply meaningful relationships?
At the heart of connection is the sense of belonging. We thrive on the bonds formed with others, rooted in empathy, understanding, and mutual experiences. In a community, these bonds become a source of strength, supporting us through life’s challenges and celebrating our successes.
The power of connection is also evident in the collective wisdom that emerges. Each member brings unique insights, knowledge, and life experiences, enriching the collective pool of understanding. This shared wisdom becomes a guiding light, helping everyone navigate personal and professional landscapes with confidence and grace. It fosters an environment of learning and growth where new ideas are explored, assumptions are challenged, and horizons are expanded.
One of my favorite aspects of community is that the connection amplifies our voices. Together, we can champion causes, drive social change, and influence decisions that affect our lives and the lives of others. It’s about asking what we can make possible together.
The power of connection also extends to creativity and innovation. When we come together, we create an environment where ideas can flourish, creativity can be nurtured, and new possibilities explored. This collaborative spirit can lead to groundbreaking initiatives, transformative projects, and innovative solutions that benefit not only the community but also the wider world.
Actress Viola Davis once said in an interview that the most powerful thing a woman has is her sense of community.
When talking about the collective power of women, businesswoman, and philanthropist Melinda Gates describes each of us as small stones that, together, form a mighty mosaic.
No matter how you express it, what is clear is that when we support each other, incredible things happen.
All of this speaks to the richness of the community we have here at Yes, I Can Living.
It’s not quite Amsterdam or a quaint café, but I think much is the same. We may have entered here as strangers, but that’s just how we started. You’re never a stranger here for long.
It is thought that the word “April” comes from the verb “aperire,” which means “to open,” which makes sense since April is the season of trees and flowers beginning to bloom. It also aligns with what we can do to open ourselves to each other in this special season of beauty and growth.
Isn’t that a lovely thought?
