Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: Common House Meals: Serving & Tables

[Rob Sandelin (floriferous]

As you go through life together you will discover that there are many ways
to do things. Some may work well for a time, then for no obvious reason, not
work well later and need to be adjusted or changed radically.

Dining together is not a science. Its an art, and as you create your art you
will be well served to try out a variety of styles.

I would encourage you to cultivate an attitude that encourages
experimentation. "Lets try it out!" can be your slogan. There is often no
best way for much of the processes you will need as a community. Just
because it works or does not work in one place, does not mean you should not
try it for yourselves.

The other day somebody quoted me, in all my ignorance, as why they did not
try a particular process. I was sort of shocked. Just because one group
tries something and it does not work for THEM, does not mean it would not
work perfectly for YOU. So take what people say with an appropriate
attitude. The only authority about what will work for your group is YOU.

I would also encourage you to avoid complacentcy by evaluating your
processes, at least once a year. Sometimes a group will suffer along with a
less effective solution for years just because nobody ever thought to
ask....Is there a way we could this differently that might work better?
Create the space to ask that question.

Rob Sandelin
Any body that quotes "Rob said..." has to stay after school and write on the
board 50 times...Rob is just another cohouser.