Ever heard of flânerie? If not, let me fill you in. Flâneurs were these French guys who wandered through cities, totally detached from society, with no other purpose than to be keen observers of life around them. It sounds a bit random, but trust me, there’s more to it.
From a very young age, I unknowingly adopted this attitude. My earliest memory of this is from a “hippie” market fair in a small town in Uruguay. I must have been about eight years old, completely mesmerized by a stall selling beautiful jewelry made from semi-precious stones. The stall owner, a young girl with braids, asked me, “Which one is your favorite?” When I pointed to a particular piece, she said, “Oh, you have such a good eye, that’s lapis lazuli.”
That moment sparked a sense of wonder and joy within me. It was the first time I truly noticed and appreciated something beyond toys. As I grew, my appreciation for the beauty and intricacies of life only deepened.
Recently, I’ve been reading “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin, and it has shed light on my innate tendency towards flânerie. Rubin emphasizes the importance of maintaining a discovery mindset.
“It is not a search, though it is stoked by curiosity or hunger. A hunger to see beautiful things, hear beautiful sounds, feel deeper sensations. To learn, and to be fascinated and surprised on a continual basis. Consider submerging into the canon of great works. Read the finest literature, watch the masterpieces of cinema, get up close to the most influential paintings, visit architectural landmarks.”
This quote really hit home for me. For years, I thought being creative meant I needed to make something tangible—art, design, or some form of beauty. But creativity isn’t just about creating things; it’s also about observing and appreciating the world around you.
Flânerie is all about embracing curiosity and letting it guide you. It’s about slowing down, noticing the little things that often go unnoticed, and finding beauty in the everyday. It’s about being present and appreciating your surroundings without needing a specific purpose or destination.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, rushing from one task to the next without pausing to reflect. Flânerie reminds us of the importance of slowing down, taking time to truly see and appreciate what’s around us. This practice can lead to greater creativity, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the world.
So, next time you have some free time, instead of grabbing your phone or rushing to your next appointment, try embracing the spirit of the flâneur. Take a walk with no particular destination in mind, observe the world around you, and allow yourself to be fully present. You might be surprised at the beauty and inspiration you discover along the way.
Flânerie isn’t just a leisurely activity; it’s a powerful tool for fostering creativity and a deeper appreciation of life’s wonders. By adopting this wanderer’s attitude and cultivating a curious mind, we open ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities and inspiration. Don’t underestimate the power of flânerie—it might just change the way you see the world.
