Hi Neighbor,
Through the years I’ve attended a range of Main Line School Night classes: dancing, yoga, improvisation and more. I looked forward to interesting experiences involving movement. I thought I’d challenge myself this time and explore something totally new. I registered to learn how to play Bridge.
From the first class, I became aware of my own preconceived ideas. I’d imagined Bridge as the opposite of a workout. Could I sit still that long? I discovered that although it’s played sitting down, this is a master class in exercise for the brain! Bridge is a fascinating combination of memorization, strategy, and a bit of socializing. It also requires dedication, study and practice to effectively participate in a bridge game, like learning an instrument. Yet interestingly, even after integrating just a few fundamentals, it is fun to play.
I’ve discovered that Bridge encourages me to learn something new every time, growing respect as its complexities are revealed. It’s both entertaining and fascinating. And I’ve met smart people of all ages with senses of humor but a few too serious for my comfort. Maybe taking it a bridge too far?
It’s been about six months now. I’m a determined, continuing beginner in the Bridge world. I meet people who patiently teach aspects of the game’s awesome complexity. There’s always something new to learn, presenting challenges. For now, my usual free time routines are replaced by quizzes in my intro to Bridge books and by learning Bridge conventions. The unexpected bonus is several of my fellow Main Line School Night players now meet weekly at our homes, sharing new bridge insights along with travel plans and family news.
In conclusion I stand corrected. My preconceptions about this game were wrong. By engaging, I discovered that trying something new, even something I thought had no potential in my life, could open previously untraveled paths and simultaneously keep my neural networks buzzing! I never anticipated that learning a card game would lead to an intellectually stimulating pursuit with lovely people challenging themselves right along with me.
Sticking with it,
Jane
