When I first heard about the “Picnic of Open Blankets” (Picknick auf offenen Decken), organized by the FreiBende, I thought, Okay… sounds nice. Probably just a group of people sitting on the grass with sandwiches and small talk, but it turned out to be more than that.
It started when a friend invited me to join one of the planning meetings. My German still shaky, but they welcomed me in. They listened to my ideas. Treated me like I was already part of something. I appreciated that.
And then came the picnic day.
Honestly? I almost didn’t go. But something in me said, Try Efe… Just try!
So I showed up. Joined them to set things up, spreading out blankets and carrying supplies across the field, and greeting early arrivals. There was something really grounding about that. It felt like I wasn’t just attending, but I was part of it.
Slowly, the field came to life…And so did the sun (the real kind, whew).
Blankets in various colours began to fill the field, there were snacks and drinks laid out, children were laughing and running around.
It felt less like an event, more like a neighbourhood coming together. aThere was this sense of belonging.
And then we were asked:
“What does an open society mean to you?”
(Was bedeutet eine offene Gesellschaft für dich?)
People gave thoughtful answers. And when it was my turn at the end of the program, I said something like:
“To me, an open society feels like this moment. When you’re sitting on someone else’s blanket, and it feels like yours. When no one’s judging you for not speaking the language perfectly. When no one’s measuring your words or your accent. When people are curious about you… in a kind way, not a suspicious one.”
Okay… maybe I didn’t quite say all of that.
But I thought it (the thought counts, no?) 😊
Instead, I said: “An open society is about fairness. About being seen, being accepted, and not being judged. This moment right here… this right here is what I’d call an open society.”
And that was the truth.
There was even a short session on communication.
A reminder that sometimes, we listen just to reply or respond instead of listening to understand. That maybe, instead of saying “But,” we could start with “I hear you” and still share our view without trying to win an argument. That two perspectives can exist at once. I respect yours, and here’s mine…
My daughter loved it. And she doesn’t say that often.
Later, she told me, “Mom, if something like this comes up again, please take me.”
We met people from all kinds of backgrounds, but no one asked, “Where are you from?” in that suspicious tone.
No one made me feel like I had to prove I belonged.
People were curious, but in a good way. The kind that leans in to know you, not label you.
And that’s the lesson!
An open society doesn’t always need gigantic policies or loud protests. Sometimes, it’s a few cherries and watermelon shared on a blanket.
Or a bag of pastries that appears out of nowhere… No note. No owner in sight (we asked around, no one claimed it). But we had a feeling it was left there on purpose.
A kind gesture!
Sometimes, it’s a smile from someone you just met. Sometimes it’s your child feeling free and like they belong.
And sometimes it’s you, just being you, without needing to explain or earn your place.
And for me, that’s more than enough.
