Now, let me make it clear, I'm not talking about launching an invasion against an evil dictator or inviting a VIP to Warsaw without a plan. No; this is rather about those small, non-life-threatening decisions. Going for a walk? With map, stopwatch and detailed concept as what to see? If you're visiting some place new, a tourist in a city you've never stepped foot in before - then yes, a plan is vital. Knowledge of the must-sees, the recommended show-stoppers - without this, your visit is wasted. But if you're just drifting around somewhere you know (or think you know), setting off without a Plan 'A' (let alone a Plan 'B' or 'C') can be rewarding. Letting serendipity take you where it will.There is a role for planning in life; there is also a role for spontaneity in life. Generally, planning is the better option. (See also Free Will vs. Destiny.) But knowing when to let go, when to let fate take the wheel, is part of leading a life in balance. The outcomes may be entirely variant - your route may equally take you to see unexpectedly wonderful places and vistas that you've not clapped eyes on before - or else (worst case scenario) you will stumble upon rather boring and dull sights. But then your frame of mind will dictate the outcome. So - if you want spontaneity to be rewarding - set off with optimism.
Above and below: Last week's discovery that BUW's roof gardens are freely accessible to the general public - the result of purest spontaneity. Quite a spectacle - unexpected and unbidden.
This time last year:Our avian neighbour
This time two years ago:
Balancing on the edge of chaos
This time three years ago:
The rising tide of Development
This time four years ago:
Present rising, future loading
@Michael
ReplyDeleteNo doubt about that. If not for this small margin of spontaneity, we would have so miserably missed the most precious moments of our lives.