NETWALKING

        Two spiders join webs, reminding me of an Ethipian Proverb:
        When spiders unite, they can tie up a lion.

Spiders are amazing networkers, in more ways then one. Have you ever seen a community of spider webbing? What does this manifestation in the natural physical realm mean?

One summer day, I was meeting up with some people from Rhode Island Walks and Rambles for a hike. As the first to arrive, I started along a path to check out a stream crossing visible from the parking area. The bridge railing was draped with numerous spider webs... individual webs joined together into a community... a tiny spider sitting near the center of each section.

The web strategies varied. Most of the webs were expectantly geometric... but one spider with a web near the top of the community structure had designed an upper section like a suspension bridge, with a series of vertical threads all in evenly spaced alignment, to hold the weight of all that hung below. Funny... social networking is about "building bridges."

Another spider had a disorganized tangle of thread attached off to the side, with most of the webbing concentrated thickly in the center... different, wildly creative, but with a method to the madness. Some people keep their network of acquaintances close and tight, and confuse everyone outside of their tight circle

Social networking is a creative process. Netwalking goes offline and outdoors to creatively combine social networking with light exercise and with the enjoyment and inspiration of nature. The world opens up, and face-to-face dialog gives our words and our stories more meaning. Netwalking leads to enhanced connectedness and chance encounters that develop into lasting friendships business relationships. Netwalking builds community.

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