For the rest of the summer, stay with curiosity
Sending out a blessing before the summer pause
Dear One,
When I said “the rest of the summer” in this title, I initially meant “the remaining part” of it. I’m aware this is the last newsletter I’m sending before I’m back in the towards the end of August/beginning of September.
However, as I re-read the title, I realized this can be also understood as “the act of resting, during the summer.” These long days and heat in (some parts of) the northern hemisphere can be an invitation to rest — or, being super active in the fire energy. For me, summer is usually a combination of both.
In the past few years, I increasingly feel my energy shifting to match the season. It makes sense to feel different and occupy my mind with different things depending on the temperature, length of days, and more opportunities for certain activities that come with that.
For the remaining part of the summer, I intend for a blend of REST and CURIOSITY. This newsletter is an invitation for you to dip into those qualities with me, to find just the right blend of stillness and adventure.
Curiosity is a collaborative game
“How was yesterday?” — is a question you can ask anyone, or anyone can ask you, in a host of different situations. While it expresses a general interest in the other person’s life, it doesn’t necessarily spark the feeling of curiosity.
Curiosity is a collaborative game. It can be sparked by the questioner, the answerer, or both. But if one doesn’t make any effort, then the other has to do the heavy lifting. If no one does it… the conversation stalls.
When I ask you “How was yesterday?”, I leave it up to you to search your mind for something exciting to share. The question isn’t focused. It disguises as an open-ended one, so it seems encouraging.
In reality, it often leaves the person answering pressured to make an effort to say “something interesting” and keep the convo going.
On the other hand, if I make that mental effort before asking a question, I can infuse it with curiosity. What am I curious to know about your yesterday? Maybe…
Who showed up to the event last night and what did you enjoy about that combination of people?
What was your mood like? How did it change throughout the day?
Did you do any activities you’ve never done before, or had conversations on brand new topics?
What was the high point of the day/evening for you — and why?
What was the low point of the day/evening for you — and why?
With all these questions, I offer my conversation partner more focused attention. If they don’t find my question interesting, at least they have a springboard to talking about something else.
This isn’t to say that as a questioner, you always have to lead with curiosity. In fact, you don’t have to do anything!
But, it’s helpful to be aware that if you don’t offer a curious question and expect an interesting answer, you’re leaving it up to the person who responding. They may or may not generate the curiosity themselves.
Some people tap into it easily at any time. Others require more of a curious input to get them going.
Bottom line is: curiosity is a shared quest. It’s not that one person is “interesting” and the other is “boring.” You know the saying that “to be interesting, you need to be interested”? It hits the nail on the head, if you ask me.
The energy you’re projecting will often be the energy other people perceive in you. Asking curious questions can be one way of doing that.
Upcoming summer events
There is lots happening this summer to both explore your curiosity and rest in a still, contemplative place. In fact, a lot of these events will invite you to do both!
You can pick and chose from a host of ceremonies, events for leaders and activists, and relational workshops / playshops… Here are some headlines:
A Day of Self-Inquiry, 12th July (Edinburgh)
Sacred Fire Blessing Ceremony (By Mexican Wisdom Keeper - Marta Pico), 12th July (Edinburgh)
Awakening the Mystical Rose: New Fire & the Memories of Water, 13th July (Roslin)
Wisdom of the Sacred Fire (with Abuela Marta Pico), 14th July (Roslin)
Speechless: Relating Beyond Words, 14th August (Edinburgh)
Sacred Activism & the Magic of Selfless Service (a Co-Enquiry), 24th August (Roslin/online)
Human Permaculture & Spiritual Renaissance for new Community Building, 25th August (Edinburgh)
Resource Your Activism: Nonviolence and Collaborative Leadership for Inner and Collective Transformation, 18th - 22nd August (Sauchie Home Farm, Stirling)
Authentic Connection Group, 26th August (Edinburgh)
The Living Fire Gathering, 29th - 31st August (Wasing Park, Wasing Lane, Reading)
Find Your Selves: Authentic Relating Playshop, 30th September (Edinburgh)
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Now, on to the “rest” part…
Whenever I get to the mindset that I need to do something to “deserve” rest, I revisit the ideas from Tricia Hersey’s book, Rest Is Resistance.
In it, Tricia presents rest not as merely a wellbeing practice. She sees it as a political act.
We may often think about resting as this thing an individual can do to support their health, wellbeing, perhaps spiritual growth. But we much more rarely talk about its consequences for our social structures and collective values we uphold together.
I will let Tricia speak to this by simply adding a page from her book below.
Aaand…. This is it for today!
I hope you go well into your summer rest and curiosity. And if you want to stay in touch when I’m back to writing this newsletter — add your email to the list!
Until then, stay well x
Marta