Being Normal

“Someone has a great fire in his soul… and passers-by see nothing but a little smoke at the top of the chimney.” wrote Van Gogh. That faint wisp of smoke, often perceived as our implicit standard of normality, leads us to strive relentlessly to conform to what we believe is a valid way to live our lives. However, in a world defined by shifting norms, could being "normal" be a fleeting illusion rather than an attainable reality?

The paradoxical nature of being normal provides us with a sense of belonging, cohesion to our communities and shared values. However, it can also confine and limit our potential for growth and self-expression, pressuring us to conform and stifling the richness of our individuality.

Let's then unravel and discover the extraordinary richness that lies within the diverse fabric of humanity, with the following questions :

• How would you personally define "normal" or "normality"?
• How does society influence our perception of normality? What are the potential positive and negative effects of conforming to societal norms?
• Can you recall a time when you intentionally challenged or broke societal norms? How did it make you feel?
• How does media shape our perceptions of normality, and does it sometimes promote unrealistic ideals?
• How can we promote a more inclusive society that embraces diverse perspectives and experiences?
• Is there a link between mental health and the desire to be perceived as "normal"?
• In what ways can the pursuit of "being normal" hinder personal growth and self-discovery?
• How do you envision the concept of normality evolving in the future?

Looking forward to delving into the depths of the complex and subjective topic of normality :)

To build together a fruitful, respectful, and inspiring conversation, please be aware of the following ground rules:

• Listen respectfully, without interrupting.
• Listen actively and with an ear to understanding others' views.
• Comment on ideas, not individuals.
• Commit to learning, not debating. Comment in order to share information, not to persuade.
• Avoid blame, speculation, and inflammatory language.
• Allow everyone the chance to speak.
• Avoid no-shows and late drop-outs to be fair towards the participants in the waitlist and the organizer. Please be aware that more than 2 no-shows and drop-outs will exclude you from the next meetups.
• Avoid showing up to the event if you are not part of the attendees list to be fair towards the waitlist members and the organizer.
• Be mindful and present during the discussion and avoid being on your phone - after all, it's the beauty of a face-to-face social interaction.