Community lostness

Yesterday I went out walking with friends, Vicky and Janet. And we got lost.

We did have a map. Printed off google. But after a while it made less and less sense.

The bluebell wood bit was fine. And the fieldy bit beyond it. But once we'd got into our stride and gone further afield, it all went a bit weird.

First off, we ran out of fixed points. Nothing on the horizon was familiar anymore. And secondly, we just couldn't work out where we were on the map. It might have well been a map of Brazil.

So we laughed a lot and cajoled ourselves. Sat down for some chocolate and a think. Set off again with great enthusiasm. And soon became even more bewildered than before.

Thankfully Vicky had an epiphany. And reminded me of the map app on my phone. Which could give us directions to where we'd parked from the postcode on the google map. So in the end it did have a purpose. And eventually, we found our way back, with much rejoicing.


As far as experiences of lostness go, this was a pretty good one. I'm not a stranger to getting lost at all. It happens often. Either because I've switched off on my way somewhere or been over-confident and decided I don't need any directions or just been plain curious and decided to deliberatley go off piste.

Usually it happens when I'm on my own though. And not having to worry about anybody else. Which is good and bad. Good that I've not  got anybody else's stress. But bad that I've not got any help. Or a different pair of ears and eyes to get me through.

So yesterday was a revelation. A heartening lesson in community lostness. For a start we didn't fall out but worked together to find our way back. We chatted loads and shared stuff that perhaps we wouldn't have had things gone to plan. We pulled our supplies together and kept each other fueled with chai tea, chick pea crisps, M&Ms and dried mango slices. And we had some really good belly laughs along the way. So all in all, a great day.

I can't say that my memories of solo lostness are quite as vibrant. Or as funny. Or as tasty. Although there have been times when I've been travelling in places like India, Morocco and Samoa that have been so brilliantly bonkers they're pretty unforgettable. But they're the exception. On the whole it's shared memories that stay with me most.

So it's good to be in a season generally where I'm sharing the journey with others. Where I'm having to ask for help with some of the things I'm wanting to do. Where I'm helping others with some of the things they're wanting to do. Where I'm living and sharing space with friends, old and new. And where there's a sense of support and solidarity.

Hopefully we'll all keep each other on track. Or at least have a laugh in moments of community lostness.


So thanks Vicky and Janet for the inspiration. This one's for you........