Earlier this month, I tried my first yin yoga class with a couple of friends. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but appreciated the relaxed nature of the class and the opportunity to shift into “relaxation mode,” if only for an hour. Yin is a gentle style of yoga that includes seated positions held for three to six minutes each. The theme throughout the practice was the idea of “curiosity.” Our instructor shared this quote from author Elizabeth Gilbert that stuck with me. “Passion is a tower of flame, but curiosity is a tiny tap on the shoulder – a little whisper in the ear that says, ‘Hey, that’s kind of interesting…’ Passion is rare; curiosity is every day.”
With 2018 coming to a close, what if you approached the new year with a little more curiosity? What if you tried that new workout class with a friend? Maybe you won’t like it … but maybe you’ll find your new favorite way to get moving. Maybe you’d like to learn how to cook but are feeling intimidated or overwhelmed. Why not check out some recipes, mess up your kitchen a little and just have fun with it? If you’ve always wanted to sign up for a 5K race, what have you got to lose? It’s easy to look in the future and focus on your ultimate goal; just don’t forget to find joy in the journey along the way.
And you don’t have to limit your curiosity to health and wellness. If you’ve been toying with the idea of volunteering, joining a local book club or signing up for a painting class, do it! The only person who can stand in your way is you. Curiosity can be nourishing for your mind and spirit and, who knows, you may even find your new passion.
What new thing would you like to try in 2019?
I like the idea of curiosity. It brings me to a sense of mindfulness. To notice that tap on the shoulder I need to be quiet, calm, and listening.
Love that, Marcia!
I have been reading your posts for months and this one really got to me. It has been said that curiosity killed the cat but it can also kill boredom, loneliness, and sadness. We get into a rut sometimes doing the same old thing day after day. We eventually burn out or quit trying. Our diet plans yo yo ( my personal problem) or worse yet , give up on ourselves. Noone can do it for us. We must take charge of our own lives. So let curiousity be your goal this year. Try something new, get your TOPS friends involved and let 2019 really ROCK. Thanks for the kick in the @×=%*£;;$×/*;::(curiousity) ?
I love the idea of “letting curiosity be your goal this year”! Thanks for reading, Kathy! 🙂
A TOPS Pal invited me to attend her exercise classes, but I didn’t get “A Round Tuit”…. she’s gone to Florida now for the winter… maybe by the time she gets back, I’ll be attending her exercise classes!!!
Thanks for the inspiration and the “Kick in the butt!” Everyone needs help to move on!!!
Thanks for reading, Maimie! I’ve tried exercise classes where I felt totally uncoordinated and others that I’ve loved! The key is to just keep trying 🙂