In brief
Learning something new, like mahjong, can be daunting yet rewarding. In a recent class, the struggle of grasping the game alongside a friend led to unexpected reflections on community and embracing the discomfort of being a novice.
One afternoon in Brooklyn, I persuaded a friend to join me at a restaurant where we would learn Hong Kong-style mahjong. Intrigued by the vibrant colors of the bakelite tiles and the satisfying sound they make as they're shuffled, I longed to experience the camaraderie my mother enjoys in her weekly American mahjong games. As novices, we joined a group of about 15 students ready to tackle the complexities of this traditional game.Our first lesson began with a dummy round, where all the tiles were face up to help us familiarize ourselves with their values. The teacher guided us patiently through the gameplay basics—how to organize the tiles, identify suit and honor tiles, and understand the significance of the dragons and winds. However, grasping the rules proved challenging. I often found myself confused about the different combinations required to form a winning hand, struggling to keep up as more proficient players quickly advanced.Doubts began to creep in: why was I putting myself through the discomfort of learning something entirely new? My inherent curiosity and desire to expand my horizon seemed at odds with the reality that picking up a game after years of not doing so felt overwhelming. I questioned whether my schedule could accommodate another hobby and how my brain would handle the challenge of memorizing yet more rules.Surprisingly, my friend soon revealed her excitement post-class; she bought us a mahjong set. I was both reluctant and thrilled at the idea of gathering a group to play. Reflecting on my initial hesitation during the lesson, I recalled how uncomfortable it was to be a beginner. Yet, within that discomfort lay an invitation to connection—a chance to share the experience of being novices together.Being new and bad at something reminds us of our human vulnerability. Although our instinct often tells us to gravitate towards familiar activities where we shine, embracing the discomfort of learning collectively could foster a new sense of belonging. Perhaps through this shared journey in Mahjong, I could create the community and rituals I had always envied in my mother's games.
