Notelets on Nurture #03

Kindling curiosity with the shifting of seasons

Welcome back to my Sunday series, Notelets on Nurture, a gentle way for me to connect with you between my long-form pieces.

Here in the landscape of the Scottish Borders, a stunning backdrop for the shift in seasons, autumn is unfurling at a mindful pace.

“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”

— Plutarch

This time of year marks the return to chunky knits and cosy socks. And on prescription from

Katherine May

there are now some twinkly lights to counter the gloomy nights.

As the seasons change, I like to put some heart and soul into curating a playlist. So, I've created a calm and cosy modern mixtape for your ears.

Change is both inevitable and beautiful. And fall shows us how to embrace shifts with grace—to master the delicate balance between holding on and letting go.

In writing memoir, which (for me) has been a long and slow process, I’m learning that there’s as much power in what I leave off the page as what I choose to keep. Something about this act of shedding feels expansive. Healing, almost. And it’s kindling my curiosity and creativity in the most supportive way. Now I have a first draft, I can begin relieving myself of the parts that were challenging to put to the page.

Today, I'd like to share three things I've come to appreciate about cultivating a sense of curiosity. But first, a beautiful poem by

Nadja de Oliveira

of

Musings in Writing

on the freedom of waving our old beliefs goodbye.

---

Growing out of old beliefs
by Nadja de Oliveira

I have been wondering
how I become the person I need to be
and it dawns on me
that this was once again a thought
stemming from the belief
that I am not enough already
and that I had to become something else
something more or different,
perhaps even something new
'but why would I want that?', I asked myself
there, I realised
it sounded absurd
it had haunted me for years
so, I smiled tenderly
knowing that I had grown
and that thought doesn't have a place in my story
even when it surfaces from time to time
it's not a belief anymore
it's a memory of a time
when I didn't see myself

Nadja’s words are such a tonic, and she’s just started a new series you might like to read—Kindred Notes.

Kindling curiosity

Recently, I wrote a blog about the creative habits of curious folk. As one of my core values, curiosity has become an essential ingredient for building stronger foundations in my life and work. Here, I distill my thoughts into three takeaways.

1. Being present
   To live in the beat of life is to connect more deeply with ourselves, to sit in the here and now. I've found that this state of being can be cultivated through creative habits such as journaling, meditation and yoga. Or walking in the woods or by the sea. Consciously making time for these activities helps me gradually anchor myself, but as an easily distracted overthinker, this is an ongoing practice.

2. Being inquisitive
   Curiosity is like a muscle. We need to train it. And asking questions is one of the most essential of creative habits. The child who asks: "but why?" wishes to understand more and is always keen to dig deep to uncover new things and explore new ideas. And I believe can learn a thing or two from them since the search for answers helps us clarify understanding, challenge assumptions and ignite possibility.

3. Being receptive
   A defining trait of curious folk is their openness. They value hearing from those with different backgrounds and diverse perspectives, even if they don't always see eye to eye! They actively seek opportunities to engage with people who can broaden their thinking and expand their awareness. And though it can feel challenging, curious souls are also willing to listen to feedback on their ideas.

Something I value most about curious people is their ability to release old ways. To rekindle the new.

What about you? What are you holding on to? And what are you letting go of?

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