being present in your place

"‎Be truly present in your place. Walk as much as possible. Use your sidewalks and public spaces. Meet people unlike yourself. Go out of your way to befriend those who've lived in and served the good of your neighborhood longer than you. Listen to them - then listen some more. Allow your values to be shaped by the hopes and loves they have - loves... you have overlooked, but may come to share. And while not all of us can guarantee a lifelong commitment to a particular place, we can usually stay rooted longer than we'd planned, even when it means sacrifice. And more importantly, it is possible to engage in sanctified imagination and live as if you'll be present there forever, for the sake of your neighbor."

- jamison galt