Break the cycle of a routinary lifestyle by finding a space where you can connect and interact with others.
Wake up, eat breakfast, prepare for a long day, travel to the workplace, spend hours completing goals, go home, wind down, and sleep. A cycle that is often lived by many. For some, life is a long-winding routine that is often lived between two spaces—your home and your workplace. Sure, a few events break the cycle from time to time, however, living a monotonous routine takes a toll on someone’s mental health.
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What is a third place?
Finding a place or a space that breaks your routine is the enactment of Ray Oldenburg’s theory of the “third place.” In his theory, Oldenburg described the first and second place of every person as their home and their workplace respectively. Furthermore, Oldenburg defined the third place as a sanctuary wherein people can find refuge from their homes and workplaces.
A third place is a separate space that gives people the opportunity to communicate and socialize with other people outside the context of their home and work. It is a place where people find solace in breaking a routinary and circular life. The third place theory capitalizes on the idea that there should be balance within the multiple spheres a person exists in.
Finding your third place
There is no specific requirement to define a space as a third place. It is an ever-changing space that adapts to the time and the current zeitgeist. Your third place may be different from the others and, that is okay, as long as that space serves your interest and satisfies your need for social interaction.
In the Metro, there are different places and clubs you can join in pursuit of finding your third place. Here are some of them:
Private Clubs
Being a member of a private club is one of the ways people find their third place. Clubs offer leisure activities and amenities that are conducive to communication and connection. From the pool, and restaurant, to the gyms—there are multiple opportunities for you to connect with other members.
Sports Lounge at the Manila Polo Club / Photo via Manila Polo Club website
Dinner at the Rockwell Club / Photo via Instagram @therockwellclub
Yacht club in Club Punta Fuego / Photo via Club Punta Fuego website
President’s Bar by Barcino in Alabang Country Club / Photo Via Alabang Country Club website
Palms Country Club’s facade / Photo via Palms Country Club website
Fitness Club and Hubs
Sometimes, your third place is a fitness club or hub. Working out with people with similar interests in sports and physical activity is a way to jump-start your fitness journey. Furthermore, joining a running club or playing a recreational sport is also healthy for your soul.
Run club / Photo via Instagram @rockwellrunclub
Saddle Row in Rockwell / Photo via Instagram @saddlerowph
Hot yoga in Vida Yoga / Photo via Instagram @vidayogaph
Reformer Pilates in Jal Yoga / Photo via Instagram @jalyogaph
Golf Clubs
Playing golf is one of the best ways to socialize and meet like-minded people. You can meet people from different backgrounds with different personalities as you share the love of the game with them. Furthermore, golf helps you stay active as it enables you to have a low-impact workout.
Sta. Elena Golf Course / Photo via Sta. Elena Golf and Country Estate website
A unique golfing experience by Manila Golf Club / Photo via Manila Golf Club website
East Course in Wack Wack Golf Club / Photo via Wack Wack Golf website
Golf with a stunning view of the Taal Volcano in Tagaytay Highlands / Photo via Tagaytay Highlands website
Society and Philanthropic Groups
Finding like-minded people is one way to go in finding your third place. Joining society clubs that are focused on philanthropic movements is a good way to find a space where you can converse and interact with other people. It helps you fulfill your social needs while at the same time empowering those around you.
Soroptimist, an all-woman philanthropic group, tree planting activity / Photos courtesy of SIBD
Medical mission by Zonta Club of Makati and Environs / Photo via Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Facebook page
Banner photo by Kundalini Yoga Ashram via Pexels.
