#74: Exploration (Free)

A BRIEF MEDITATION

Beneath the starlit sky, a boat gracefully ripples across still waters. There's excitement in pursuing what you cannot see or know. Whether or not you recognize it, you too are a beacon of energy, constantly sailing into uncharted territories.

Each day unfolds like an endless path, inviting you to stay curious and play. Let the spirit of exploration connect you to a feeling of infinity.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK

We can easily convince ourselves that we already know who we are, what we want, or what we're good at. Even what we'll be doing 5, 10, 20 years from now. The more concrete our identity is, the safer our ego feels.

While identifying with our persona can be helpful in navigating life, it can also keep us closed to the boundless opportunities existing right outside of our comfort zone. It limits who we think we are and what we're capable of.

An attitude of exploration can be the perfect antidote. It's taking the first courageous steps, even if only for the sake of feeling something...different.

Feed your curiosity. Embracing the unknown quiets your mind and drives your actions effortlessly. There's great liberation on the other side.

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ENABLE THE EXPLORER IN YOU

• Beyond the mind is where bravery begins.

• Curiosity is the compass of the brave.

• Break the mold, discover the gold.

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HOW TO EXPLORE NEW THINGS IN A NATURAL AND EFFORTLESS WAY

Every day, distractions pull on our attention. If we're being mindful, we let them go. Sometimes though, the same interests keep coming up; sparks of intuition push us to dive deeper.

When we chase our curiosities intentionally, we can experience much more joy and inspiration during our day. Here's how to explore new interests in a balanced and effortless way.

1. Find a low-effort entry point.

There's no reward in pursuing interests the hard way, especially new things.

Whether you want to learn about astrophysics, AI, or how to crochet, pick content that will meet you at the right level of comfort and understanding.

Ask: What is a relatively effortless and entertaining way to consume an interesting perspective on a topic? Maybe it's YouTube tutorials on how to use oil pastels, TED talks on emotional intelligence, or podcasts on running.

Much like a first date, your introduction might just be a surface-level "conversation,” but learning in an accessible way will make it much more enjoyable.

2. Your questions are your compass.

When you start diving into a new subject or skill, it's natural to have questions.

Keep a running list of them on a Notes app. Use them to guide your growth. The more questions, the more intrinsic motivation we cultivate. Curiosity is precious currency.

3. Make community an anchor.

No matter the niche, there are people who are on the same path of discovery as you, those alongside you, and others who are further and have illuminating insights to share.

Curate a list of people you'd like to get to know and learn from. Subscribe to their newsletters. Follow them on social media.

Consider not only what content they produce, but how they share it. How they think and exist in the space. Feeling a kinship or connection to a person (ideally, more than one) is a powerful force in sustaining your interest in the topic itself.

4. Synthesize, create, express.

Now's the time to stop consuming and go inward. Dedicate some space in your calendar, and find the grace to fumble through it.

If you're learning how to knit, pick out your first project. If you're learning German, pick your language learning app of choice and use it for 15 minutes today. (Scheduling a time every day to practice helps immensely.)

If you're simply learning more about a topic, synthesize the information in a way that simplifies and organizes your thoughts. Journal on it. Blog about it. Draw it out. Try explaining it to your friends next time you see them.

You'll naturally find gaps in your understanding – this is a good thing. Let that guide you on what to focus on next.

HOW TO START

Pick a topic that sparks curiosity or joy. Find 2-3 information sources that feel digestible to you. Set a time in your calendar when you can consume the content mindfully.

PRO TIP: Prevent mindless scrolling on YouTube or other social media: Select the videos ahead of time and text the links to yourself, so you're not going directly into the app to find them.

MOMENTUM TIP OF THE WEEK

Images can be very powerful.

The right visual can evoke feelings of passion, expansion, curiosity, and infinite possibilities.

This transforms how we feel throughout the day, even during our daily tasks.

Here’s how to add photos: (1. Find photos from our favorite (free) photo libraries, Pexels and Unsplash. (2. Save on your desktop. (3. Go to Settings (bottom-left-hand corner of your dashboard) > Photos > Upload photo.

Add photos, and share your dashboard with us! 👀

IT’S ALL GOOD (NEWS)

Here are a few stories that may spark curiosity and wonder. ✨

• 🍔 Service: Toronto Restaurant Responds to Growing Food Crisis by Giving Away Free Meals

• 🚛 Sustainability: The Humble Trash Truck Is Ready for an All-Electric Upgrade

• 🦤 Creatures: Pūteketeke Wins Bird of the Century With Record Number of Votes

• 🧴 Health: “Super Melanin” Heals Skin Injuries From Sunburn and Chemical Burns