The Value of Peer Chatting

114 • 3/23/2026

“It has been widely reported that talking and sharing with others boosts mental and physical health by increasing happiness…”

The Value of Peer Chatting (reprise)

A few days ago, I had dinner at a friend’s house. He is a fellow photographer and wanted my opinion on images he was working thinking about displaying at the annual studio tour in his area. We spent about a few hours in what is going to be the main gallery sorting through too many images to get down to the desired few.

We then went into his studio to look at what else he was working on. During that time, we began to chat about future projects. It was a wonderful way to extend the evening talking about things we both enjoyed.

Lately, I have discovered that I am enjoying conversations with friends and peers about things that might give us a certain amount of personal and professional legitimacy. Conversations like this enable us to learn more about our friends and might even serve to teach us something unknown.

Without the pressure of feeling a need to be right or wrong, a meaningful conversation opens the door to more conversations that may continue to add value to the relationship and complement a desire to learn and grow.

Shortly, my friend and I were called to dinner by his wife where we continued our discussion but this time with an added viewpoint which turned out to be very refreshing and important.

All-in-all, it turned out to be a delightful evening which was made even more enlightening with the sharing of ideas, projects and goals. I had not even checked the time and when I turned onto my driveway, I discovered that it was after midnight!

Since I just finished another season of teaching photography (and poetry), I was looking forward to each class as another opportunity to share with others. In those classes I encouraged regular dialog and discussion and worked to leave a bit of room at the end of each session for an extended conversation about points brought up in earlier exchanges.

It has been widely reported that talking and sharing with others boosts mental and physical health by increasing happiness, reducing stress and anxiety, and fostering a sense of belonging and support. Positive social connections are linked to improved mental and physical health, and a longer life. Sharing both positive and negative experiences with others can also strengthen relationships and improve mood.

I am not talking about scheduled meetings. I am talking about impromptu get-togethers. A call to a friend for a cuppa in the morning. A request to meet at a local tavern for a brew.

I spend a good amount of my days in front of a computer screen where I write, comment, produce magazines, counsel clients, etc. The knowledge that I am having coffee with a friend on Thursday morning allows me to have something for which I can happily plan!

These conversations keep us fresh, informed and connected.

Who are you having your next cuppa with?
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(note: This is a reworking of an earlier post from which I received quite a few positive responses. Since Spring is busting out I thought it a good time to take another refreshed look at this topic.)

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“Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.”

Lao Tzu

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Chelsea Putnam | The Art of Noticing & Making Meaning of a Fleeting Life | Made on Earth: “In Laguna Beach lives Jim Olarte, a man who has mastered the art of noticing life’s hidden treasures and making something meaningful from the fragments he finds. He spends his days gathering material at the beach: seashells, kelp, and fiberglass; and tying them together into massive macrame sculptures.

He doesn't have a tv. Doesn't have a car. Doesn't spend time scrolling social media. In a world of endless distractions, he has learned how to cultivate a life of true presence and creativity. And through this lifetime devoted to paying attention, he quietly lives the answer to a profound question: How do we make meaning in a world where nothing lasts?

This is the story of The Man Who Knots the Sea.”

©Chelsea Putnam, The Creative Act: A Way of Being (ed. Even after living on a high desert plain for 24 years, I still miss the ocean. When I saw that this video involved water, I was in! This about the 4th time I have watched it, mostly in the morning, with a cuppa… after breakfast.)

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Nick Wignall | Big Magic: A Brief Review and Summary: For a long time, I resisted reading anything by the author of Eat, Pray, Love.

But after months of badgering from several people I respect and trust, I finally caved and picked up a copy of Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. And I’m very glad I did!

Part creative autobiography, part motivational speech, the book is an inspiring and practical call to action for all of us to break through our fears and unleash the creative force within us, no matter the form—mystery writing, ice-sculpting, zero-scape gardening, whatever.

Because ultimately, life itself is a work of art. Which means, it’s our responsibility—and great joy—to create the best version of it we can.

What follows is a collection of my favorite quotes from the book along with a few brief thoughts of my own.” ©Nick Wignall, image ©Tim Anderson, Release

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Jari Poulin | Where the Willows Weep: “Since childhood, I have had a special relationship with weeping willows consider them protectors. When times were bad as a child and early adolescent, I would go to the one near my house to hide under its long and graceful arms to write songs and poetry.

“The images in Where the Willows Weep hold something nearly diaristic or confessional about my life and are a reflection of my journey and healing during this difficult year. As I made them, I felt these images deep in my skin, simultaneously as a time of loss, hope and healing. In them I found solace, serenity, playfulness and memory of my own childhood as well as the comfort this park brings to me every time I walk the paths that surround it.” ©Jari Poulin, image and text (note: all artists featured in this section have been previously published in Shadow & Light Magazine)

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Poetics | Mary Oliver: Spring has sprung and it must be time for Mary Oliver. Agreed?

No Matter What

“No matter what the world claims,
its wisdom always growing, so it’s said,
some things don’t alter with time:
the first kiss is a good example,
and the flighty sweetness of rhyme.

“No matter what the world preaches
spring unfolds in its appointed time,
the violets open and the roses,
snow in its hour builds its shining curves,
there’s the laughter of children at play,
and the wholesome sweetness of rhyme.

“No matter what the world does,
some things don’t alter with time.
The first kiss, the first death.
The sorrowful sweetness of rhyme.”

©Mary Oliver, Blue Horses

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