In brief
In a recent mahjong class, the author grapples with the discomfort of learning something new while discovering the potential for connection and community in the process. A friend's gesture to invest in a mahjong set sparks a desire to embrace the challenges of new experiences.
Last week, I ventured out with a friend to a restaurant in Brooklyn for a lesson in Hong Kong-style mahjong, intrigued by its vibrant tiles and the rhythmic sound of them being shuffled. My mother engages in the American version regularly, a routine that leaves me slightly envious of her gaming camaraderie. We found ourselves part of a class with about 15 eager participants, all novices to this intricate game. Starting off with a dummy round allowed us to familiarize ourselves with the tiles and gameplay: how to structure the table, the role of dice in breaking the tile wall, and the distinct categories of suit and honor tiles.Learning mahjong was no walk in the park. Our instructor was thorough, emphasizing the importance of repetition to ensure we grasped the rules. The game involves complex strategies that reminded me of card games but proved challenging for my understanding. As I wrestled with the mechanics, I found myself questioning why I was even there. Why would I choose to tackle a game when I already had a repertoire of other hobbies? My contemplation grew, leaving me pondering if I even had the capacity for yet another activity in my life. Yet, days later, my friend surprised me with the news that she had purchased a mahjong set for us. This unexpected gesture grasped a thread of hope. Despite the previous lesson's confusion, I reminisced about the shared experience and the camaraderie it promised. Being a beginner can feel daunting. It's natural to gravitate towards what we excel in—we seek confidence and comfort. Yet, my friend’s determination presented an opening to explore not just a new pastime but the potential for a shared journey; an opportunity to embrace the journey of learning and the community that could blossom from it.
