In brief
Learning new skills and engaging in community activities can enrich our lives.
One afternoon last week, I found myself at a lively restaurant in Brooklyn, stepping into the world of Hong Kong-style mahjong for the first time with a friend by my side. My fascination with the game sparked from the vibrant bakelite tiles and the rhythmic clacking they make. My mother, an avid player of the American variant, plays regularly with her group—a ritual I envy as I lack such regular social games in my life.Our class consisted of about 15 eager novices. We started with a dummy round, learning the rules with all tiles facing up. The instructor guided us through the setup and gameplay fundamentals, explaining the significance of suit tiles, honor tiles, dragons, and winds.Mahjong is certainly not a straightforward endeavor. The instructor’s patience stood out as he reiterated the rules and encouraged us to engage. Despite the encouragement, I found myself tangled in confusion: three identical tiles to form a pung? How did someone win while I was still grappling with the flower tiles? Doubt crept in: “Why dive into this game when I barely play the ones I know well?”The truth is, trying new things often feels daunting, striking fear that one is wasting time on something unfamiliar. As adults, we sometimes neglect the beauty of learning and the joy of exploration. Amid our structured lives, tossing ourselves out of our comfort zones can feel overwhelming. Do we even have the bandwidth for more mental or social activities?To my surprise, my friend later revealed enthusiasm regarding our mahjong experience. “I bought us a mahjong set!” she announced, igniting a flicker of hope and excitement within me. I nostalgically recalled my initial discomfort during the lesson, reminding myself that it’s natural to feel lost when beginning something new. Sometimes being inexperienced can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing. It's easy to retreat to activities where we are confident. Yet here lies an invitation to engage with others— a chance to embrace uncertainty together. This endeavor could lead to a blossoming hobby, forming cherished traditions similar to my mother’s games. Embracing the opportunity to stumble together might lead us all toward a richer community experience and, possibly, newfound joy in the art of mahjong.
