Designing a Journey of Curiosity and Atunement: Reflections on Enhancing Self and Belonging
It has become evident to me that my infinite curiosity for human nature is a driving force that has brought both purpose and joy to my life. I have found immense satisfaction in immersing myself in unfamiliar cultures and uncomfortable situations. Once I overcome the fear of the unknown, I’m able to experience wonder and inspiration.
Through these experiences, I’ve discovered that the best way to acquire worldly knowledge and wisdom is by actively engaging with the real world. By subjecting myself to serendipitous encounters with the unknown and unpredictable, I can access unbiased information directly from the natural world, granting me insight into the true nature of things as they are.
The over-dependence on and addiction to online information is a concerning issue. Even more worrying is the curation and personalization of information based on past preferences and behaviors. This creates a sense of being watched and confined to a stereotyped version of myself.
I believe in living a life full of possibilities. I’m reminded of a quote from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” where Nick Portokalos says to his sister Tula, “Don’t let your past dictate who you are, but let it be part of who you will become.” This choice should be made by me and not by algorithms on my behalf.
I’d like to share the reasoning behind these musings and the timing of their presentation. Currently, I am working on the fifth draft of my upcoming book, “Being & Belonging: A Journey of Curiosity and Exploration.” This book is a synthesis of my various writings from the past three decades. I spent several months reading my thoughts, concerns, and imaginative expressions in articles I wrote during this period. In doing so, I tried to develop a narrative of my mind’s evolution as reflected in these works. My editor refers to it as an independent biography of my curiosity.
When asked about key learnings from revisiting these reflections, I respond that before studying design, my parents instilled qualities that made me a good human. My design education then shaped my mind, enabling me to observe the world and contribute as a designer. However, the pandemic-era reflections, along with various travels, community dialogues, and my oral history project, led me to realize that my opportunities for self-actualization were constrained when viewing the world through a designer’s eyes. Shifting my focus back to my ongoing search for becoming a good human and building deep relationships allowed me to expand my imagination and consciousness.
In this article, I aim to emphasize the significance of focusing less on being an expert or solving problems and, instead, advocating for the importance of being a good human and pursuing authentic, serendipitous experiences. While I acknowledge the value of mastering mental or physical skills to contribute to society and earn a livelihood, I want to stress that becoming a valuable societal contributor requires integration within a community.
Exploring and expanding one’s consciousness is crucial for making connections, building relationships, and creating an impact that leads to recognition and rewards. To achieve this, it is essential to venture beyond the confines of the digital space and engage with the world firsthand. The exchange of ideas, energy, and emotions that occurs when we encounter the unfamiliar and unexpected can foster creativity, cultivate strong relationships, and create cherished memories.
In essence, my book serves as a reflection on my continuous journey of curiosity and exploration. Through this introspection, I have come to understand that my mission as a curious, open-minded, caring, and creative individual is to encourage and support the creativity of everyday people. The title of my book, “Being and Belonging,” represents my mission to help individuals enhance their self-awareness and atunement with the world.
Self-awareness, in this context, refers to one’s conscious recognition of their own experiences, emotions, and identity. Atunement with the world involves achieving harmony or alignment with the people and environment around us. By nurturing creativity and fostering a deeper understanding of our place in the world, we can strengthen our sense of self and belonging, ultimately enriching our lives and the communities we cherish.
