“Exploration is curiosity put into action.”
Don Walsh
As I watched my two year old grandson explore his backyard today I found myself delighting in his natural sense of exploration. After discovering a large, green grasshopper hiding in his wagon he returned to the house to get a flashlight. It amazed me his confidence and independence in exploring his world.
Yesterday we talked about wandering, and in that vein another book by Keri Smith, How to be an Explorer of the World came to mind. Once again Smith encourages us to get out of our comfort zone and explore the world around us.
As exciting as an African Safari might sound, just like my grandson, exploring your own backyard might result in a few delightful surprises when approached with the proper perspective.
A few words of advice from Smith include:
“Always be looking.”
“Everything is interesting. Look closer.”
“Alter your course often.”
“Notice patterns. Make connections.”
Smith’s book is an intriguing look at what many might consider mundane. Along with a delightful introduction to the works of exploring, she includes fifty-nine suggestions for exploration.
As we age our sense of exploration and delight may begin to wane. I can’t help but wonder how different our aging process might be if we looked at the world through the eyes of a curious two year old.
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