In brief
Through a personal journey of learning mahjong, the article explores the discomfort of being a beginner and the unexpected joys that come from shared experiences and the pursuit of new hobbies.
Last week, I decided to venture into the vibrant world of mahjong by attending a class in Brooklyn, accompanied by a friend eager to join in. With its captivating bakelite tiles and the cheerful sound of shuffling, mahjong had long fascinated me. My mother frequents an American version of the game with her friends, creating a cherished ritual that left me longing for a similar social outlet.We gathered with about 15 other novices, embarking on a dummy round to grasp the basics before diving into actual gameplay. Our instructor expertly guided us through the rules, demonstrating tile arrangements and initiating gameplay. Although I was familiar with various card games, mahjong presented a complex challenge, leading to moments of confusion. Concepts like forming a pung with three identical tiles felt daunting as I struggled to keep up with the intricacies.As I sat there, an uncomfortable thought lingered: why was I putting myself through this? Many people learn new games as children, but as adults, the desire to expand our skillsets often dwindles. Learning can be an uncomfortable endeavor, making us question whether we have the capacity in our lives to take on more challenges.Days later, my friend shocked me with a thoughtful gift—our very own mahjong set. Suddenly, the lessons took on new meaning. Instead of seeing this as yet another task, it became a doorway to forming connections. The idea of inviting others to join us and embracing the learning process together ignited a spark of excitement in me.Learning something new, particularly in a communal setting, can invoke vulnerability, yet it also fosters kinship among participants. The potential for this new pastime to blossom into a beloved routine filled with laughter and camaraderie became more palpable. In that moment, I realized that building something together—despite our initial ineptitude—could cultivate the very community I’d admired in my mother's game nights, provoking an eagerness to embrace new challenges.
