For Those Curiously Minded

All it requires is for you to inquire.

We’re too often taken by surprise with no delight by an avalanche of events; a whole lot of which is currently giving literal fire and brimstone. To that I say hail mercy pretty, pretty please with sugar on top. I bet there’s even some folks out here playing bingo with their cataclysmic predictions. Oh so close to yelling out the winning word the moment aliens make their presence unquestionably known. For all you know, I might be one of them.

Part of what’s so scary is the profusion and inundation of events which we have little or no control of. Particularly for those directly impacted and at significant risk by tectonic societal shifts. All of which can leave one feeling despondent and struggling- whether it be financially, socially, and/or emotionally, etc, etc.

So it was amidst this landscape run amuck, that I was fortunate to visit Cape Town recently. And I was struck by the absolute dichotomy learning about its horrific history in tandem with absorbing a plethora of gorgeous new sounds, sights and experiences. I was keenly aware how the striking polarity, coupled with the state of the world was impacting my state of mind. And in turn motivation and momentum. Heading back to the US and fearful of what’s to come, I synthesized how delving deep into discovery mode was helping divert me from pondering pointlessly.

If you’re amongst those enormously enamored by sounds, beats and melodies- the dancefloor is a tool unlike any other by way emotional release. But perhaps, being so accustomed to it just might maintain your cognitive balance at status quo. And given the times, further inertia and efforts may be required to positively propel yourself through hurdles you might be facing. If so, consider some changes to your regularly scheduled programming by trading or even adding more fresh to the familiar.

Just what does peak your curiosity, but somehow you never seem to find the time for? I’m talking about more things rather than people- because they rely solely on you. These things might be beyond the realm of your normal proclivities- perhaps in the visual, literary or performing arts. Wherever you find it, focusing on the new rather than the news can at once surprise AND delight you. And perhaps even instill optimism, meaning or even purpose- whether it’s fleeting or forever. And at the very least, it’ll help keep your brain preoccupied, preventing you from obsessing and doomsday scrolling.

Photo by Robert Guzman

No matter how intelligent and savy you may be- the alogrithm IS gonna get cha. Steering you with blinders while being innundated with change and chaos, often turning into turmoil in our heads- beit from politics or the weather. Speaking for myself, I know far too much of my time has benefited Mark Zuckerberg and his endless parade of shitty haircuts for way too long.

So what to do when you can’t think of anything? Some suggestions…Perhaps pick a party with music you’ve never experienced and give it a twirl. Are DJs your mainstay? Attend live sets or jazz concerts. For those socially minded, consider contributing time and energy to organziations or causes meaningful to you. Go to a random museum and leave inspired to take a deep dive on a subject you hadn’t heard of. Never tried your hand at art? Pick up a paint brush. Are you a painter? Perhaps sculpt. Attend a dance performance, or an opera if you’ve never been to one. Whatever it is, it doesn’t need to be fancy-shmancy or expensive. And if a ticket price is out of reach, watch it on YouTube.

Juggling your schedule making you dizzy? Then take up juggling balls. A walk in a new neighboorhood doesn’t cost a dime. That is unless you stop for coffee, which in NYC means around $7- like WTF?!! You don’t have to go anywhere at all though- just pick up a book. The options are as endless as your imagination. My point is, don’t just rest on your go tos to help you through atypical and potentially apocalyptic times.

Doing novel things that make you feel good are clutch for sanity’s sake and to keep our mental boats afloat. I mean…the world has flipped on it’s lid, so turn yours out and upside down. And perhaps, just perhaps…time once spent wallowing and shallowing you up whole could evolve jaded into joy.

Inquiring minds wanna know…more. And more and more and more. And while it’s in no way easy to switch up our routines, going where you haven’t gone before just might benefit you more than expected. Natural curiosity is a free gift through the unexplored to distraction. And being acutely attuned to how you set your own stage may better enable you to tune in to yourself. Don’t like what you’re seeing, hearing and/or doing? Think about changing the channel by flipping the script in your present-day life.