“Are we there yet?” This common refrain from a child in the backseat on a road trip maybe summing up many of our experiences as continue to navigate unchartered waters in the infamous “unprecedented” times. It’s time to reclaim curiosity.
If you have streamed every series, cleaned every closet, or baked every version of banana bread, you just may be ready for something different. Even if you haven’t done these things – I have yet to perfect my banana bread recipe and my closets don’t look much different – it may be time to shake things up regardless!
The Cure for Boredom is Curiosity- Dorothy Parker
Here are 3 ways to reclaim curiosity and perhaps renew awe in life and living.
TURN OFF TECHNOLOGY.
Stop scrolling and take a break from the manic mainstream media. You can do it! There is the “off” button, the “Do Not Disturb” feature, or the old-fashioned out of sight, out of mind. I dare you – put it in a drawer. Just for a little while. Who are you when you are not behind a screen?
GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY!
Fresh air and sunshine are the perfect combo to create those feel-good summer vibes, as well as the highly beneficial Vitamin D. Toss a frisbee, kick a ball, hula hoop, blow bubbles. What are those activities that can turn up the childlike carefree in you? there are many new outdoor games and activities that may pique your curiosity, too! go and seek them out.
COME BACK TO YOUR SENSES.
You have 5 built-in pathways to enhance your experience of being human. They are free and do not need to be ordered online!
Touch
What feels exquisitely soft, comfy, and nourishing? Maybe it’s a favorite t-shirt well-loved over the years or rich hand cream.
Sight
What is pleasant to look at? Imagine giving your eyes something delicious to drink. Perhaps you will discover it in the natural outdoors, a painting, or a moment of kindness between strangers.
Sound
One of the most pleasurable sounds for me is quiet. I love it so much that I invested in noise-canceling headphones over the holidays. Who knew how much calm I could feel while doing dishes when my son was enthusiastically playing the X-Box in the next room!? When it isn’t quiet, it is a range of music depending on my mood, or desired mood. What is music to your ears?
Smell
This time of year offers a plethora of possible scents accessible just from stepping outside. Summer rain, freshly cut grass, and blooming flowers can effortlessly give you ways to awaken to aliveness. In addition, aromatherapy can be found all year long. What does it for you and your nose?
Taste
Organic strawberries. Smores. My son’s insanely wonderful birthday donut cake. A bite of (almost) anything can become scrumptious when time is slowed to the now moment and your mouth-brain connection has a chance to register what is being presented. Have you ever chewed in slow motion and for more than 3 seconds? Talk about body-mindful eating!
When it comes to anti-boredom, monkey mind, or the stress of living in these times, you can always count on nature outside and within to guide you back to ease and grace. If you need a little encouragement on getting yourself or your kids to be more curious, visit Fantastic Fun and Learning. I invite you to get curious and (re)discover the simple pleasures that don’t require any thinking to enjoy them and let your light shine!
Lisa Medley, MA, CMT believes as we create more love in the body, we create more love in the world. She serves as an Embodiment Mentor and has over 20 years’ experience in the healing arts including a MA in Expressive Therapy, life and wellness coaching, therapeutic massage and bodywork, somatics, energy medicine, and conscious movement & dance. Lisa is energetically sensitive that blesses her with a strong divine connection and challenges her to stay centered in an overwhelming world. She has discovered that honoring body wisdom is the key to sustaining wellbeing and soul evolution with more ease and grace. Learn more http://www.soulisticarts.com