Weekly Grab
This is my weekly compilation of photos and prompts. If you’d like to see these delivered daily to your inbox when they’re first released, including some subscriber only exclusives, consider supporting my work with a Substack subscription. Thanks for following my curiosity journey.
Stay curious, preferably with a camera in hand.
Finesse
So much of our efforts are forceful and fast to illustrate power and control. But what about all of the parts which require the opposite? Where does fitness become the better skill to employ?
Force rarely works in delicate situations. Better to apply a light and generous touch.
Filters
Filters can be very helpful to keep out the unwanted noise. But sometimes, it’s helpful to remove the glasses to see more clearly. Or, at least consider changing the prescription.
Fans
How many is far less important than how they act. Are we building a collection of loyal, passionate, flag-wavers? Or, just compiling transactions? Choose the strategy and metrics wisely.
On Board
Who do you have enrolled?
Ideas, decisions and selections have a much better chance of being successful if the people they affect are bought in. Of course, this requires a lot more work, empathy, generosity and patience, which is why it doesn’t happen as often as it should.
It’s a good idea to get people on board before we get to slicing.
Close
A deeper connection requires us to be close. But, close also opens us up, makes our flaws more visible and apparent. Many of us have been taught to keep a safe distance. Vulnerability certainly wasn’t widely taught and rarely discussed in school. But, it’s the only path to getting close, which is where the most meaningful and productive relationships take place.
Offer someone a closer look. It might just help jumpstart a great relationship.
Hiding
We all do it. It feels like the safe thing to do. We put our guard up or shut down in a conversation, look away when things get tough, or perhaps never show up at all. Whatever form it takes, it’s our resistance getting the better of us. It’s a made up fear keeping us from doing our best work. And, fear is paralyzing. It might be helpful to remember that in almost every case when we feel like hiding, there’s no lion in the jungle waiting to eat us. Our mistakes, flaws and imperfections are surmountable…and perhaps even helpful in the right situation.
The key to hiding less is to become more comfortable with the discomfort of being unhidden. This takes practice, in some cases years of repetition. And, the fear never completely goes away. We just get used to it, know it’s there and dance with it. Discomfort is okay. Being eaten in the jungle is not. Just know which one is on offer before seeking to hide.
Pump
A curiosity habit requires fuel. Some of it is physical, like nutrition or gas. But, like most endeavors, most of it is mental. It might be a thirst for learning in general. Or, a specific quest for knowledge or understanding. Or, it might be the feeling of adventure or pioneering which comes with the unplanned, unscripted journey. In any case, we all need a pump. Where’s yours?
Get the Camera Out 