In the A to Z of Becoming, E can stand for Explore.
I think we can explore this world we are in every single day.
We can either go somewhere to explore a place – a couple of days ago at breakfast, Hilary said to me “I’d really like to go and see Aubterre sur Dronne”. So, I replied, “The sun is out, let’s go now”. And off we went. Aubterre sur Dronne is one of France’s “plus beaux villages” and is about an hour’s drive from here. It’s one of those quintessential French villages, with winding narrow streets, a pedestrianised central market square, and is probably a bustling little town in the summer season. In February, it’s VERY quiet!
It’s a delight to go exploring. To travel to a village or a town for the first time and to wander around in peace, taking photos, browsing in the artisan’s workshops and having a relaxed lunch.
Maybe there is a town, or a village, or a place you’ve never visited, yet which is within an hour of where you live? I once recommended a “thirty minute discovery challenge” – I’m extending that to an hour (just to increase the options!)
But I think exploring is not just about physically traveling to somewhere different.
It is an attitude of mind, and it’s a way of engaging with the world.
I explore the boundaries of my knowledge in my reading. I explore new music using the “radio” button on Spotify. I explore other perspectives on Life by browsing the web, reading blog posts, looking at other photographer’s work. I explore the potential of my skills as I learn a new language, practice my guitar, or seek the solutions to practical problems.
Exploring involves curiosity, observation, reflection, and a passion for the everyday (l’émerveillement du quotidien). It stimulates creativity, deepens understanding and broadens my world.
What are you going to explore this week?
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