Why this for my Sandbox WOW?
Great question.
I am obsessed with questions. Particularly, questions that come from a place of curiosity and sincerity; the ones that are not this:
Hi, how are you?
Great!* And you?
Can’t complain!**
When we put effort into the questions we ask and answers we share, we gain the power to form connections and build understanding. To connect with a stranger or even help us fall in love.
There are so many examples of great questions leading to deeper connections. This here is my own exploration of how questions can help us form connections.
When I was originally exploring this idea for my Sandbox WOW, I wanted to do an evolution of a project I developed in 2017. This project, Opia, was designed to create space for two strangers to connect for ten minutes over a series of questions. I had hoped to expand this series with more questions, more people, and eventually capture the whole deal with a mix of video, audio, and handwritten reactions.
This, of course, changed as social distancing became more important — a unique tension for an idea that’s based on social closen-ing.
(Are you touching your face right now? Stop it. Wash your hands.)
So, we’ve landed here. With a project that’s intended to emotionally connect us through questions in a time when being physically disconnected is important for us all.
Join me by asking someone you love (or don’t yet love) a new question. Record that conversation, if you like, and share it back for others to enjoy. Or, just ask yourself one of these questions and give me a call with your story.
Let’s use questions to help us connect with ourselves and with others.
When we respond to questions like “How are you” do we answer fully?
* I’m doing alright. Constantly worrying about my family back home.
** I can’t complain because I don’t feel like I have anyone to talk to…
