Hello,
What's On My Mind is a weekly newsletter where I share some of my thoughts, stories, and ideas to raise awareness; enable personal growth; nourish an open mind; encourage self-discovery; and empowering myself and others with individual responsibility.
"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity" - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Self-awareness = self-learning = self-knowledge = self-healing = self-realization
I hope you find them of any use.
The benefits of being curious
Albert Einstein said, “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” Why is curiosity important? I believe that curiosity is the vehicle used by the open minded. It takes them to different places, allowing them to explore and discover different possibilities. Here are some reasons why curiosity is beneficial and need to be cultivated.
Curiosity help us become better problem solvers. When we are curious, we are more resourceful. We ask more questions. Questions such as, What can I do to be better? What are different ways that I can use to solve this problem? As a result, we naturally come up with interesting and innovative ideas.
Curiosity can help us overcome our fears. People who are curious are not afraid of feeling uncomfortable and facing the unknown. They take action. They are more open to getting out of their comfort zones for the sake of learning more about what they are passionate about.
Curiosity helps us develop empathy. Instead of judging others, we can ask questions and understand where they are coming from. When we are curious, we are more open to exposing ourselves to different ideas and cultures. As a result, our appreciation for life increases.
Curiosity makes us more knowledgeable. The more knowledge we have, the more resources we have in helping others. What makes people smart like Einstein? The man said it himself….he was passionately curious.
Curiosity leads to humility. Humble people know that they don’t know all the answers. They are constantly learning. One of the most pleasing experiences in life is to be involved and have discourses with people who are humble. They don’t try to prove you wrong. Instead, they come from a detached vantage point that helps you appreciate different perspectives.
Curiosity makes us more self-aware. Curiosity entails the questioning of our beliefs, our values and our perceptions about life. You can ask yourself questions such as, “Is this belief true? Is it self-imposed? What belief can I replace it with for me to be more effective and be a better person?” When we are curious, we are more willing to experiment to see what works and what doesn’t. We want to find ways to improve our skills and be a better version of ourselves.
What are some ways for us to develop more curiosity? You may read a book. Attend events. Travel. Go hiking and explore the outdoors. Meditate and see what is in your mind. Write a journal. Instead of talking about yourself, ask people to talk about themselves. Listen to podcasts. Start a new hobby. The list is endless. The key is to engage yourself in activities that make you feel excited.
Wander often, wonder always.
Orignal art: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/xkxAm
Teachings & Insights
Tao Te Ching - 9
Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner.
Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.
Video I want to share - There is no free wil, but we are free.
A short clip taken from the conversation between Lex Fridman (researcher) and Brain Green (theoretical physicist) where they talk about quantum gravity, the big bang, aliens, death, and meaning.
Quote to contemplate
"Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life." - Seneca
Fundamental - Breath
Excerpt from the new guide "thoughts of a wanderer" I am writing.
The inhale component of the breath is activating the sympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system. This is the stress response or the “fight or flight” response. It serves as a necessary part of our being, as it gives us a quick surge of energy to escape danger. The exhale part of the breath is linked to the parasympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system. This part is responsible for relaxing, resting, and digesting. Both parts are essential for life. [...]
I like to breathe in through my nose for a count of three and exhale out through my mouth for a count of six, and wait a second before I inhale again. Repeating this routine for a minimum of 30 times. That breathing practice anchors or shifts me into the present moment where I am less reactive, more responsive, and able to navigate the rocky waters of life with relative ease. [...]
A physical correct way to breathe is as follows:
On the inhale, you want to relax your glutens, pelvic floor and expand your belly.
On the exhale, you squeeze your ribs, your abs, and you contract your pelvic floor.
Podcast that sparked my interest
A podcast channel I randomly came across. Vikings, Sumerians, Aztecs, Inca's, and many more indepth stories about ancient civilizations. A great way to learn more about human history as it helps us develop a better understanding of the world, ourselves (human nature), about change, and how to appreciate current times.
https://open.spotify.com/show/44DE64rRpX1cFIQUlqQtvi?si=Jn9ZfqtTSgygUJmsQBS9oA&utm_source=copy-link
Did you know...
That the evolution of our genetic makeup is so slow, that our prefered nourishment is still the same as our ancestral humans and their pre-human predecessors: uncultivated plant foods (vegetables, nuts, leafy greens, beans, fruits, flowers, fungi, stems) and wild game. The dissonance between human genes and current human lives has critical implications for human health. Try to eat real, local, seasonal foods, in moderation.
Thank you for your spending your valuable time on this newsletter.
Your support is much appreciated.
Joey van Tilburg