How do you keep close?

It takes effort to create the conditions for authentic cohesion with the folks around us, since in 2012 our environment does not force us to gather around a fire with the clan we were born into. 

According to Rebecca G. Adams, Professor of Sociology and Gerontology at UNC Greensboro, one of the key factors for experiencing cohesion with others is proximity, which she defines as "repeated, unplanned interactions [in] a setting that encourages people to let their guard down and confide in each other."

And while, so far, it appears to be a fact in my suburban life that there is no such thing as "unscheduled" I have found that the practice of getting together with people at a regular time and place creates the sense of ease that beckons in the word "unplanned."  

Lately, I have been feeling grateful for the opportunity to gather in proximity with people I respect and care about....to forage, to hunt, and as a cobbled together clan, guard all that is precious.

To read more about proximity check out:

this article in the New York Times