I came across a book by Ray Oldenburg entitled ‘The Great Good Place’ that investigate the existence and importance of a ‘third place’. And it strikes me that these are more important than ever – with the increased sense of isolation, rising mental health issues and the inevitable consequences of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity), We all need somewhere that it neutral, voluntary and welcoming.

The first and second places represent home and work and to a large extent define us. Home is the most important, where things are regular and predictable. Work on the other hand may reduce us to a single productive role; it fosters competition and motivates us to rise above our colleagues, but it also provides the means to live, improve quality of life and provides structure for large amounts of our time.

Typically we spend more time at home than work and more time at work that in a third place, but each has its role to play.

So the third place is very different because it is sought out – somewhere we want to be without obligation. It is a combination of relative informality a neutral location that we seek out for its enriching effect. We have seen them depicted in television shows such as the bar in Cheers or canteen in the Big Bang Theory. All around us public houses, coffee shops, community centres and similar display the important elements of the third place. It is somewhere that can be visited regularly and voluntarily and anticipated gatherings that are pleasing, positive and satisfying.

I’ve been pondering about my third place and it is my masonic lodge, or to be more correct the masonic lodge in general. It is a place I can visit alone, I attend meetings with others, I visit other lodges and I can even go there without leaving my chair at home.

Lodges have existed for more than 300 years and the principles behind their existence has changed little since – brotherly love, relief and truth. Although possibly date language what these basic tenets represent are: deep affection and concern for our fellow brethren either through concern or action; assistance to those in need; and honesty.

Together they represent the principles of a loyal and caring society determined to help others, both within the organisation and outside and that we have beliefs and standard that we try to live on a daily basis, And for me the lodge room symbolises these principles.
There is something very comfortable about them – is it the knowledge that centuries of Master Masons have rehearsed ceremonies and conducted Lodge affairs in a manner handed down from earlier times – is it the shared reason for attending – my great good place.