The Third Space
If you are not familiar with the concept of the Third Space it comes from the urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg. He has written many books about the goodness that can come when one has at least one third space in their life and I highly recommend further reading if this concept hits home with you.
So, what is a third space and why is it important? Oldenburg calls one’s “first place” the home and the people the person lives with. The “second place” is the workplace—where people may actually spend most of their time. Third places, then, are “anchors” of community life and facilitate and foster broader, more creative interaction. In other words, “your third place is where you relax in public, where you encounter familiar faces and make new acquaintances”.
So why is a health and wellness coach talking about the Third Space as if it is the missing link to our health? For many of us in post pandemic society it is!
Without realizing it- we have continued on with our lives being completely home-based and solidary. We don’t go to the movies anymore- we binge watch at home. We don’t attend fitness classes, we spin in our office on our Peloton. Scrolling and commenting is the extent of our social interactions. This certainly can make life-easier, never having to leave home, but as a coach I have witnessed first hand the mental and physical toll this “simplicity” has taken on many people. Gaining weight, depressed moods, loneliness are just some of the negative effects that can happen when we don’t engage in Third Spaces in our lives.
Reclaiming what was lost during Covid, is still actively happening but not everyone is participating. Consider this article to be your personal invitation to find your Third Space. Medway Community Farms would be a great place to start- community is in the name! Activity and movement is a guarantee when you visit or volunteer on a farm. You could also try an in person fitness class, join a group that meets weekly or monthly at the library or plan a get together picnic when the weather gets nicer.
As a coach, the pandemic taught me that a sense of community and belonging is an invaluable part of our overall health. I encourage each of you to seek out and enjoy a Third Space in your life and if you already have one, invite someone in to share with you.
Always Be Sweet Kind and Wonderful 