MEA guest faculty member Karen Walrond reminds us that the French-Latin word amateur means “one who loves.” Who knew?!
I was fortunate enough to read an early copy of Karen’s new book, “In Defense of Dabbling: The Brilliance of Being a Total Amateur,” which officially launches on September 23. It’s a reminder that when someone asks you what you do, you don’t have to answer with what’s on your business card. You could say I “do” bartending, Hula-Hoop, mountain biking, juggling, and medieval war strategy.
In an era when Perfectionism is a religion, we tend to look up to experts, and look down on amateurs. And, yet, the most interesting people I know are always becoming a beginner at something. And, in midlife and beyond, being curious and open to new experiences is positively correlated with living a longer, healthier, happier life.
In the book, Karen suggests there are five questions we might ask that can give us a hint as to new amateur pursuits:
What did you love to do as a kid?
What would you do if you were ten years younger? Or ten years older?
What talent do you wish you had?
What do you do on your most playful vacation?
What types of social media content do you follow?
I got to ask Karen a few questions on my most recent MIDLIFE CHRYSALIS podcast entitled “Aging Boldly and Living on Your Own Terms.” I particularly enjoyed our conversation about what it means to be black and age in America.
I was fortunate enough to teach with Karen last year and we’re thrilled to have her come back to our MEA Santa Fe campus Nov 3-8 with a workshop “Join the Radiant Rebellion and Reclaim Aging” that is a combination of her last book “Radiant Rebellion” and this new book. Karen is a joyful delight.
Want to feel like a kid again? Then, act like one and try a few new things. As many of you know, my favorite question to ask some new person at a cocktail party is, “At what in life are you a beginner these days?” Don’t let that question be a stumper!
-Chip
P.S. We’re fortunate to have our Baja shaman Saul at our Santa Fe campus this week and next (and Teddi here this week). For all those who sign up for next week’s “Discovering the Hero’s Journey in Midlife” workshop, you’ll receive a FREE SAUL 1:1 READING, CLEANING AND BLESSING at our ranch.