On Chance Encounters

Today was quite a beautiful Sunday in San Luis Obispo. I had a coffee (Lion’s Mane Mocha from the Tiny Cafe) and journal in hand ready to work on some individual reflection. Out of spontaneity, I chose to go do a “reading push” on Cal Newport’s A World Without Email downtown. In hopes to complete it by the end of August, I located a nice seated spot with bustling people around near some flowing water and a pleasant park.

I was reading about the improvements that Henry Ford made to the production line of the Model T when two guys approached me asking about my mode of transportation, the Onewheel. Being the first time I had even attempted to traverse it all summer, I was quite relieved. It was refreshing to talk about a passion of mine. Being some individuals with electric skateboards, the onewheel is the natural next step up. I was able to explain to them basic pricing, different board and tire options, terrain constraints, and portability. One of the guys even took it for a short spin — though he fell off quite quickly, dismounting with a bit of a jump. After the nice friendly interaction and providing some recommendations, I returned to my reading, getting lost in the urge for autonomy that Newport argues for.

A little while later, I was still deep in my reading when an older man asked if he could sit in the chair next to me. Similarly, he had just bought some very beautiful titles of his own: three books with picturesque places on the cover. I obliged and inquired what he was reading, and he happily talked about one of them: the area of Nepenthe & Big Sur. We had some beautiful conversation about his travels and his part-time lecturing at Cal Poly while he waited for his family to finish shopping. We connected on multiple different aspects including the importance of reading, the potential of AI in environmental management (AI is effecting everyone!), and disciplined lifestyles. I’ll happily engage with him when seen around campus.

I have thought and reflected on these two chance encounters. For me, they were some of the most engaging and meaningful encounters I have had all summer (given SLO has been quite the empty nest). I immediately wrote in my journal:

Its these one-off experiences that mean so much more than the stream of bytes I attempt to morph into meaningful connections.

I believe strongly that

1. had I chosen a more individualistic, secluded area of town (or rather stayed home and read in bed) or
2. been on my phone instead of reading while outside surrounded by people,

these chance encounters would never have happened. This is why reading outside seems to be such an integral part of life — the joys of new experiences, even if distracting you from the book at hand, are often the most special. While the sticky note marking my page moved less than I would’ve hoped, I regret nothing. I think it is the impulsive conversations with those around us that can often spark the most joy. Next time you take a walk or sit down to read, consider sparking up a conversation with someone — we all need it these days.