Have you ever gone to a gathering, surrounded by chatty guests, yet felt inexplicably alone? Although the room is full of happy people, conversations lag and you find it difficult to know what to say next. What has happened?

Sometimes we lose our sense of wonder and appreciation for the gifts right in front of us. We became complacent. A “been there and done that” attitude creates “Ho-Hum”. This wasn’t the case for me last weekend.

On the patio of a Vail, Colorado restaurant, I visited with college friends who I hadn’t seen in almost thirty years. Our time together truly felt like I was home, near those always very kind to me and with whom I had done some growing up. It wasn’t hard to have conversation. We had so much to learn about how our lives had progressed. And, we only had a few hours to catch that glimpse.

With the mountains as the backdrop, an enthusiastic guitar player engaged us in song and a joyful musical performance. Even while puffy clouds languidly hung in the sky, I felt a sense of urgency. Every sense was heightened. I  wanted to fully take-in the happiness of the moments right then and there. Beers and appetizers delightfully satiated our appetites while we tossed rolled-up dollars into the “tip bowl”, rewarded with a free shot if successful. Everyone reveled in the celebratory atmosphere. Even our dogs joined in by wandering to many nearby tables for attention. We made the most of the brief summertime opportunity.

How might we cultivate an adventurous spirit, a “Carpe Diem” mindset all the time, especially when surroundings remain familiar? Here are some suggestions for living fully at the table, whether circumstances are new and captivating or not.

• Take nothing for granted, including those you’re with! Express gratitude by saying ”I’m so happy to see you.” Then, ask a question about something specific in their life.
• Although we might already “know them”, use the mindset that we really don’t know them. Imagine that you’re meeting for the first time or that you haven’t seen them in thirty years. Learn more. Dig deeper. One of my favorite questions to ask is: “Tell me about the most exciting thing that’s going on in your life right now.”
• If feeling complacent, activate your senses. Observe the joy in the room. Let your body feel its energy. Savor a sip of your drink. Listen deeply to the sounds. Smell the flowers on the table. Relax and fully engage.
• Step into the unknown by approaching those you don’t know at a gathering. Our worlds will broaden when meeting someone new.
• Help the host. Giving feels good and wakes us up to ever present goodness.
• No moment ever repeats itself. Catch the happy times now. “Heaven could be anywhere. Why not here?” (Big Head Todd and the Monsters)

Last weekend, I experienced a slice of heaven with friends. Yes, the mountains are hard to beat. Yet, more importantly, time at the table with those we appreciate offers a reunion that’s available for all of us.  Imbibe “local” gatherings with excitement this weekend. Throw out complacency. Being local feels good!