“This I believe: that the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world.” ~John Steinbeck
The gift of self-scrutinization and self-reflection is that if you sit in silence with it long enough, and stay the course, and ask the tough questions—knock—the answers always eventually come.
Lately there's been a bit of a hunger in my soul, a bit of a burning desire to taste the “more” in life and some of the other things that it has to offer; and to experience myself in new settings and new situations, tasting new flavors on my inner “palate”.
And when I sat thinking about things the other day, sat quietly pondering some of the moments that recently brought some fresh air and some color back into my rather structured weeks, and breathed new breath into my soul, I realized that what each of those poignant moments had in common was that they involved exploration, and a child-like insouciance.
Something that I am learning about myself very consciously at this point is that I am someone who thrives on exploration, and who gains all of her creativity and stokes all of her desires through the act of it.
I nurture that longing to give of the innermost part of myself, and to speak from my heart, and to bare my soul through the inspiration I receive from walking through unlocked doors barely ajar, peaking through open windows, and peering into the shadows and into those quiet, undisturbed places that yearn to be seen but often go unnoticed.
“Never cease exploring” has become my new mantra, and it is a reminder to myself that exploration is what my Creator has given me as a source of inspiration and light, and a thrust forward into the days that lie ahead.
Funny enough, I don't know that in the past I would've ever thought of myself as an “explorer”; because I'm not really someone who seeks out obviously heightened experiences and who desires to always be “out and about” in the world, mixing and mingling.
I am quite often the opposite of that, the more “home body” type who isn't a fan a big boisterous crowds or traffic or big social gatherings; but I'm not to be mistaken for someone who doesn't crave tasting life in its deeper form, nor longs to extract the beauty and the nourishment from the subtle nuances which it contains.
I relish finding myself poking about the abandoned and “haunted” spaces, those places that hold all the secrets and have kept quiet about them...
Those are the spaces and places that interest me most, and that beckon to me to discover them and give them a voice through the use of my own.
I've noticed that when I give myself permission, or treat myself to my kind of exploration—the kind that feeds my soul, that leaves an impression on me, that haunts me, that allows me to tap into the world unseen—then I am at my happiest and most fulfilled, and become a fountain.
That is when I tap into my enthusiasm to share, and when my sparkle is at its brightest.
I gain my sustenance from being able to explore in my way, and it keeps me feeling young, curious, and alive.
And it means the world to me.
“Never cease exploring” has become my new mantra, and it is a reminder to myself that exploration is what my Creator has given me as a source of inspiration and light, and a thrust forward into the days that lie ahead.
And I cannot recommend it enough.
Each and every one of us has our own unique way of exploring, and our own areas of life—our own worlds—that we find interesting, invigorating and inspiring.
It is up to each of us to tap into those worlds and experience them, and draw from them the nutrients that will inform our work and our gifts.
When we cease to explore, our light dims just a little every day, and we begin to wonder what this life is all about anyway...
I am grateful to have had the realization that it is continual exploration that I must keep alive and well in my life, and that whenever I begin to feel a bit lackluster, I'll know it's a sure sign that I haven't done enough of it.
It'll be my queue to get my hands good and dirty in those worlds that inspire and interest me most, that inform my particular kind of spirit and my particular taste, and to drink from the cool, refreshing well that I discover on that land.
Call it a hunch, but I have the feeling that never ceasing to explore means never going truly hungry.
Taste what's good and pass it on.
Ingrid
“From The Heart” is a space for me to share some of my more personal thoughts on life. Here you'll find my reflections on my own inner/spiritual journey; on being a wife and mother; on being a creative; and general observations, pretty much whatever is on my mind.
I whole-heartedly believe that sharing "from the heart" with one another is what connects us, heals us, and inspires us! Glad you're here...
Tamara Stone
Well said and so true! I’ve recently been given the book The Artisan Soul , author is Erwin Raphael McManus . It was life changing for me. Just what my soul needed. His most recent book The Last Arrow , I have found to be equally if not more inspiring. If you enjoy reading check them out. Thanks again for your delicious recipes for the body and the soul! Many Blessings.
The Cozy Apron
Thanks so much for your kind sentiments, Tamara! Continual exploration is such a key to continual development, isn't it?
I am not familiar with the books you mentioned, but I do indeed enjoying reading, so I will look into them. Thank you for your recommendations!
Blessings to you,Tamara—thank you for sharing your perspective, and for your readership as well!
Roseanne Sabol
Ingrid, I loved this! It speaks to me as it mirrors my own life over the last 4-5 years. I've recently allowed myself to dabble and explore all different artistic experiences and take classes I never thought about doing and join groups with like-minded people. I'm watercoloring, drawing, sketching..... and I LOVE IT!! It feeds me in a new and very exciting way.
As always, I appreciate your thoughtful reflections and that you choose to share it with us.
Sending love.
Ingrid Beer
Roseanne, it made my heart sing when you shared all the ways you yourself are exploring life right now...brilliant!
My hope is to arrive at that point where I can do more of the same, a space where a bit more free time is available to me, and I know it’s coming.
I’m just so grateful to have theses “inklings” of
desire to go forth in curiosity for the time being, these stirrings, and look forward to what they will reveal!
Much love to you soul-sister...May your days be filled with light, joy, and inspiration!