The Lost Art of Communication
Coffee, Cohorts, and Conversation
I have a challenge for you, go into a coffeeshop and look around. How many people are on a computer, their phone, or reading a book or the newspaper? I’m going to take a guess here and say about 75-80% Does that sound about right?
It seems these days people are looking down at a screen, they don’t look up and smile at those around them, let alone say “hello”. We are in a constant state of “hurry”, we are more often than not in a rush. And why? So we can work our lives away and forget to experience the life we have? We are letting special moments and connection pass us by without even understanding the blessing we might have recieved if we were just present.
I’m not saying that I feel the sands of time slipping through my fingers. However, I do know that life has become too chaotic, and new priorities are constantly popping up. I haven’t been as mindful as I would like to be. I have moved 6 times in 3 years and have found myself at a loss of connection. Now that I can call Sacramento my home, I wanted to challenge myself, and those around me. Because let’s face it, keeping to yourself is easy, reaching out and asking someone to take time out of their day to talk, isn’t. And I have this major fear that I am semi-awkward in social settings.
Coffeeshops used to be a place to relax, have a good cup of joe, and catch up with your buddies. Now it’s a workplace for most. It’s a change of scenery from the home office, it is an “internet cafe”. And I’m not a fan of the shift. I want to bring it back to the good old days, like Cafe Bacio in my hometown where the old farmers would meet every week. So I decided to ask some people out to a coffee date to talk.
I decided on the original Insight Coffee Roasters on 8th St to set the scene for these “coffee dates”. The decor lends itself to conversation with a beautiful communal banquet table, bar tops, and comfy couches. It’s a quick bike ride from my house, and I am always a fan of supporting local business. I asked three people who intrigue me and whom I’d like to get to know better, for a cup of coffee and conversation. I was stoked they all said yes!
In the coming weeks you will get to know some Sacramento locals who all have a story. I truly believe that there is so much we can learn from each other. This Coffee Shop Series “The Lost Art of Communication- Coffee, Cohorts, and Conversation” is an exercise in slowing down, listening, and connecting. I hope you will join me on the journey!
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Is there someone you would like to nominate to grab a cup of joe for part 2?
Xoxo,
Ashley
I often hand out at coffee shops to work as well. Just is a calm place to get things done!
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I am a big time coffee lover, I would love to visit this place! Thanks for sharing the info through this article.
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Insight has awesome shops in the Sacramento area. I was happy to visit their first establishment of this series
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What a great idea!! And so true , most of us are guilty of being glued up to our devices! And we just miss out on a beauty of life surrounding us x
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Thank you Elegant Duchess! I am really excited to share the conversations I have had, so stay tuned!
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This is such a great idea! I think that we do spend a lot of time in front of our screens and have lost a tad bit of touch with one-on-one communication. Interestingly enough, there are some that say that being on the phone is too part of human communication. What do you think?
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That is such a great point and I see that it can be valid for sure. Many times we use social media to connect with those we don’t live close to. If it weren’t for social media we would lose connection with some of those people. However, I would challenge people to never forget that sitting down with someone will give you more feelings of connection thank “liking” that photo. Thank you for taking the time to read. I appreciate your comment and time
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With a busy work schedule, I find I often need to “schedule” visits with friends. It seem so odd to do, but it’s so important to keep the connection going. Communicating via a screen has purpose but so much is missed or misinterpreted! Coffee dates are part of my routine and a wonderful respite from an often over-booked workday. I look forward to following you while you discover Sacramento.
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I am so excited to hear you say this! You might be a part of the small percentage that schedules coffee dates! Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope you enjoy what’s next!
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This is such a great concept!! I’m one to work from cafes but having a certain one just for conversation is needed!! Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
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I love that you do this! Found you through the RTS and a fellow Sacramento dweller as well 🙂
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I love RTS! What a great group, and how can you not love Sac? I’m a huge fan of this city!
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Oh this post is just to good! I completely agree we’ve lost the art of communication. I love that you went out and had a coffee date with friends to socialize
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Thank you my dear! One of the things I wanted to do was stretch myself and get out of my comfort zone. The first date I knew the guy for over 20 years, the 2nd I knew less than 6 months, and the last I’ve never met. We just connected on social media. Stay tuned for their stories!
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I know what you mean about coffee shops changing, I love to find spots that people still hang out at and don’t work at so much
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I totally understand the change of scenery from the home office but think we need to remember to connect in person and not just in social media
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I love coffee hang out places – the air is filled with coffee aroma, people chit chatting (putting their mobile phones aside) and indulging in the amazing taste of some good coffee. I could so much relate myself to your ideas and thoughts that I can’t tell 😀
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Awesome Amna! I hope you stay tuned to the coming stories of people I grabbed coffee with! Thanks for the love!
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I don’t drink coffee a lot but I love a good relaxing cafe where I can get my work done. I just love the cold environment with people going in and out, quiet, but chill. Not to mention good cafe music and coffee scent.
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That´s such a great idea! I love coffee dates! In austria they have a big tradition since forever 🙂
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