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What is a searcher? Are you a searcher?
Perhaps you are if you are stopping by and reading TSLL regularly, because as I discovered, after reading the passage below by James Kavanaugh, I am indeed a searcher and TSLL blog is the medium that provides the vessel to share what I discover.
And the best, and most exhilarating discovery of all is that I can’t imagine being any other way. I truly cannot imagine living any other way. Have a read through the passage, and then let’s talk on the other side.
As I ponder Kavanaugh’s words, I begin to play with other daily habits, other daily behaviors that I adhere to that align with the idea of being a searcher, and I wanted to share five that came to mind:
~I read voraciously to learn more about paths not traveled or yet to be experienced.
~I resolutely believe where there is an obstacle, there is a solution, a path to be found that leads to the other side.
~I am enthralled in observation of others, am keen to subtle peculiarities and sensitive to their pain and happiness as much as my own.
~I adore the touch of water – be it a stream, running bath water or rain from the clouds.
~I am invigorated by intimate conversation, conceptual discussions and thoughtful contemplation.
Now, if you too identify with being a searcher, I encourage you to share one way in which you find yourself exercising daily habits that mingle with the life of a searcher. I am very eager to hear.
After all, at the core, a searcher is someone who is intoxicated by the wonders of life and truly is dancing each day, challenged, yet entertained by the rhythm that changes regularly, but has a subtle regular heartbeat if only we choose to listen. Feel free to comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
On a completely different note, well . . . not entirely. Milan Fashion Week offered a few fabulous collections. Hey, we can all be searchers and still look chic while we do it, no? 🙂
Below are a few ensembles that caught my eye (view all of my MFW favorites here). And stay tuned as Paris Fashion Week has just begun. All of the outfits that catch my eye will be posted here.
*breathe in, breathe out*
An applause for this post Shannon.
I believe, from reading this, that I am also a searcher.
I am never content with the ordinary but always strive to be more than ordinary. This drives me to achievements which go way beyond what I can physically achieve and ultimately makes me do increasingly more every single day.
My mind is never passive but always active, thinking of what next to do, what more do I need to learn, any new skill I should be trying to learn. I’m impatient with slow and get irritated by it. Learning one isn’t enough, there must be a second and a third and a fourth. I’m a compulsive multi-tasker and I always believe that there must be a more affordable way to know and achieve more.
Indeed….I am a searcher.
http://www.barbara1923.com
Lagos, Nigeria
Oh, I am a searcher! So much so, that I have found a need and desire to quiet my mind. I am attempting to learn meditation, not to divorce myself from the activity in my mind, but to focus and quiet the craziness!
Lovely as always, Shannon! Two things epitomize my identify as a searcher. My goal and a phrase that I often repeat to myself is to “be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Through living alone abroad and going through some challenging physical training experiences, I’ve realized that I find the most happiness in situations that are uncomfortable. The second thing is a habit that I also began while abroad. I do, see, or learn at least one entirely new thing every day. Routines are nice, but they present a risk of stagnation. Yesterday I learned twinkle twinkle little star on the piano.
Anna,
That is so brave to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I really admire that and will take that in and try that. It sounds like to best way to grow as a person. Thank you for sharing this.
Jaime
I’ve been reading the Bible and listening to sermons lately, and I think that until people develop a real relationship with God, they will keep searching for that missing piece that material, worldly things can’t satisfy. God gives us peace that nothing else can, and we know that we have all we need. That being said, it’s natural to want to continue learning and experiencing life, living life to the fullest.
Thank your for this post and sharing the Kavanaugh quote, Shannon. As a searcher, I have learned is to pay attention to the nudges life gives me, following through without knowing where they will take me. My life is always enriched by heeding these nudges, allowing for new perspectives and deeper life experiences.
That piece really resonated with me, particularly the point about not being unhappy but not being content. I always carry foreign currency in my wallet, not because I realistically need it but to remind me of possibilities so that I don’t feel stuck where I am.
Interesting stuff. I adore water in all it’s forms, rain is my least favorite but it has its purpose. I used to read voraciously too but high school really damaged that love. I do journal though. There’s no greater way to explore yourself in my opinion than journaling. I’m also acutely aware of other people’s emotions to the point of feeling them myself. You know people on a deeper level when you can feel with them.
terrific post . Really leaves you thinking about all the beauties you could actually get out of this life if you forever look for it with a good mind and heart . I am always searching for peace . I am cultivating peace everyday . for me it is more about being in peace with myself first . Being in peace with my mistakes , with my failures , and always looking for something positive out of every battle that is both failed and won . This post has really left me thinking a lot Shannon . Thank you so much .
There were so many lovely ideas to ponder in this post, Shannon. Ideas to nourish and stimulate the mind. I love the thought that personal growth makes us more sensitive and caring with others.
I, too, like to delve into books. I think that I read to become a better woman. More aware. More skilled. More informed. More empathetic. More joyful. More prepared. More elegant. More courteous. More whole.
The gift of language is one I truly savour. The sheer delight of wisely chosen words. An especially delicious phrase. A well told story. A chance to lose myself in another time and place. Cross pollination of ideas across fields of endeavour.
A book I’m reading with great interest these days is “The End of Absence, Reclaiming What We’ve Lost in a World of Constant Connection,” by Michael Harris. Very thought provoking.
I love that simple pleasures can be so satisfying and soul enriching. Pleasures like an engaging conversation. Like watching a child at play. Like watching the waves. Like listening to amazing music.
Your blog is a delightful place to visit. Thank you so much for sharing what you learn with the rest of us. We’re delighted to learn along with you.
Have a delightful weekend.
Honey Bee
I am just coming back to this post again. I love the concept of being a searcher. Personally, my favourite form of searching is walking to and from work. It’s not always possible given the climate where I live, but I know it is one of the best activities for me. My eyes take in the natural world, and my mind and heart reflect over questions or puzzles that have been weighing on me. At the end of the day, it provides space from work and re-engages me with the surrounding world.
Thank you for this thoughtful post Shannon.
Wow! Am I wrong, or are the models for Max Mara, closer to the regular woman size? Whatever the answer, their collection was classic.
I was telling my son (from another mother) today that I am a searcher. Contentment and having peace are two completely different things to a searcher. I have inner peace but always needing to know what’s over the next hill. I’ve been this way my whole life. Been told I was mentally ill because I don’t look at things like “normal” people do. How boring to just stand in line your whole life. I’ve always been a dreamer. I tried to fit in my whole life, never worked. So now at 65 years old I’ve stopped. I don’t put myself with them but some of the greatest minds in history were searchers. We wouldn’t have the things we have if not for searchers. I’m a senior single female that just went through a divorce after 48+ years of marriage. My son an only child died 5 years ago. I finally decided I have to be who I am. I’ve decided to sell everything I own and wander. I may spend winters on a mountaintop or summers watching the sun set behind the waves. I don’t know. All I do know is I don’t ask for happiness anymore. I’ve just got to see what’s over the next hill.
Laura, Thank you so much for stopping by. Your determination and strength of self is evident as you share all the you have. Indeed embrace and celebrate your wonderful curiosity. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your son. May your wanderings be joyous and fruitful and life enriching. xo