In this article, I’d like to talk about why having a third place in our lives is so important.
What Is a Third Place?
To you who are reading this,
Have you ever felt that your days become more fulfilling when you have something you love, outside of home and work (or school)?
For many years, I’ve believed that we all need a third place — not just introverts, but everyone.
A third place is like a refuge for the heart. It might be a hobby, a passion for an artist or a sports team, or time spent with pets. In earlier times, people may have found their third place in nature or religion.
When we lose this third place, it can feel as if the small comforts and joys of daily life vanish, too. I often picture it like this:
The Magic Number
Let’s take a different angle for a moment.
You may have heard expressions like “separation of powers” or “the Holy Trinity.” In both cases, balance is maintained by three distinct forces. The Holy Trinity, rooted in Christianity, reflects an ancient belief in the power of three.
“The Heavenly and Earthly Trinities”
by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
Seen in that light, the number three feels like something universal — a mysterious force that brings harmony and balance to all things in the world. Even in nature, the triangular shape of mountains — seen all around us — gives a sense of grounded calm. Mount Fuji, for example, has long been a sacred symbol of devotion for the Japanese people.
This might sound like a bit of a stretch, but I believe a third place plays a similar role in our lives — like a quiet companion, adding a sense of color and vitality to our everyday existence. Especially as an introvert, I find this to be true time and again.
Do You Have a Third Place?
A third place is somewhere you’re free from all the roles you play — as a parent, a child, a team leader, or an employee. It’s a place where you can enjoy something purely for yourself. Like a secret base, just for you.
For me, writing this blog is part of that search. More recently, I’ve also started a YouTube channel — a small new step in finding another third place of my own.
How about you? Do you have a third place? If so, what is it?
(Reference: Here’s an example of a YouTube video I started — though it’s not related to introversion…)
