#474: SPOTLIGHT: REVERSE ACTIVITY

CFC #474: 

Reverse Activities

Sept 15, 2026

A Backbeat of Community

I invited ten people in our community to share an example of their own practice of a “reverse activity” -- intentionally doing something in a way that is a little less automatic, efficient, or convenient, and noticing what happens. Maybe it provides the chance to truly connect with someone, or to become more mindful and present, or remain still and hear a message within the quiet.  Maybe in the "detour" something interesting happens. I compiled the ten responses and what they discovered along the way. I loved reading and sitting with these, one by one, and considering what making small shifts or stepping outside the usual pattern may open a door to.

~Amanda

#1         DORIE 

When walking through my house, especially the dining room which has the most plants, I stop. I notice how the sun is streaming in and pause to appreciate that whatever season we're in, while the sun changes in arc height across the sky, it always shines and warms up my house, brightens my spirits, and helps my plants grow...Dorie Blesoff 

#2           ROBERT 

I go to the local fish market to purchase my fish. Whole Foods is more convenient, closer and also more impersonal. While at the fish market, I always ask the people helping me for thoughts on how to prepare the fish or maybe other fish I should consider buying...Robert Genco 

#3              JULIE 

Instead of meeting at a restaurant for a happy hour gathering, I hosted a potluck happy hour in our Mission rose garden and everyone brought something to share. It was tasty and the setting was beautiful...Julie Sorenson 

#4          RUDY 

Reading a delicious note multiple times before responding. Sometimes days....Rudy Karsan 

           #5     ROBBIE 

Every morning, I make pancakes for my son and we take them outside to eat, sitting on the ground. We watch the world go by, waving at people and pointing out things we notice. A ritual of calm in the busiest part of the day!...Robbie Miles

#6         IRWIN

Walking to my office going four blocks out of my way so I can walk through the flower district.   

(A way I make sure to smell the roses .)...Irwin Kula

#7           MJ

Appreciating that water is precious, indulge in a long, hot shower and savor the sensation of water cascading on your body and the sound of the water dropping - mimicking a bubbling brook....MJ Kaplan

#8           MUAYYAD 

When I drive slower on long stretches, I create a pocket of uninterrupted time where my brain can absorb audiobooks, lectures, or podcasts. The “inefficiency” of a longer commute becomes a portable classroom, trading minutes for mastery. It’s the paradox of progress: sometimes the fastest way to grow is to literally slow down...Muayyad Al-Chalabi

#9          JENNIFER

I handwrite meeting notes, presentation outline drafts and slide concepts...Jennifer Salopek 

#10     BENJI 

"Sit-outs." Every now and then I sit out overnight on the moor by a tree. Mostly not much happens. But sometimes magic happens...Benji Dawes