Are you spontaneous? Can you go with the flow when plans change or if something catches your attention and invites you to follow it?

In this episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast, we look at the characteristics of spontaneous people and explore how we might add more spontaneity into everyday life. This was the topic of our Haven Theme Kota when we chatted about creating conditions for more spontaneous acts of gentle adventure and play.

Table of contentsWhat is Spontaneity? | 4:14Spontaneous Rest | 7:16The Spontaneous Story We Tell Ourselves | 9:10Building Life on Spontaneous Foundations | 11:31Impulsivity, Compulsiveness, and Spontaneity | 13:12The Space Between Stimulus and Response | 18:50Spontaneity and Gentle Rebellion | 22:47Impulsive Goals | 24:25Spontaneous Acts of Kindness | 28:01Trying Not to Try | 36:43Spontaneity Grows in the Gaps | 40:23How To Practice Being More Spontaneous | 42:33

What is Spontaneity? | 4:14

“Spontaneity is enjoying the moment as it unfolds or experiencing something unexpected with open arms. Spontaneity is agile, adaptable, and responsive to new information. It is a willingness to go in a new direction at a moment’s notice. It is a creative burst of energy.”

Ann C. Holm

We might imagine spontaneous people as being constantly on the move. Highly energised and ready for an adventure at the drop of a hat. But it's less about what we do and more about how we hold life's invitations.

Spontaneity is an active willingness and participation in the choice.

As Holm writes, “it’s not completely without restraint. Someone spontaneous tends to take a quick inventory of the big picture before deciding to proceed."

A spontaneous decision "occurs without external stimulus", controlling or compelling it. Spontaneity is freedom from pressure and expectation.

Spontaneous Rest | 7:16

Is rest a spontaneous option for you?

Rest might not be an option, primarily when other demands compete for attention. As such, we often push ourselves to the point where rest is no longer chosen willingly. Finally, we are exhausted and have no choice but to stop.

Spontaneous rest should be an option if we want to enjoy more sustainable rhythms and energising routines. Maybe it's about flipping the compulsion to earn rest by doing a bit more first and saying instead, "I might do a little more after I've had a rest". How often does the "more" feel less critical through a well-rested lens?

The Spontaneous Story We Tell Ourselves | 9:10

We might close the door to spontaneous choices with the labels we use to understand ourselves. These can be helpful, but sometimes the story we tell ourselves about who we are can compel us to act in specific ways and diminish our preferences and desires.

This might mean we hold ourselves back from accepting one of life's spontaneous detours.

Building Life on Spontaneous Foundations | 11:31

Spontaneity isn't a demand to say yes to everything. It's simply the willingness for yes to be an option. What if we could create the conditions for spontaneous growth in a meaningful direction?

When connected to our core personal values, we have an inbuilt compass that guides our response to the inspiration around us. In addition, it gives us confidence in our intuition when filtering any opportunities and invitations that may appear.

Impulsivity, Compulsiveness, and Spontaneity | 13:12

We all experience impulses. The urges, instincts, and gut feelings that prompt us to react. But what do we do with the impulse?

Impulsivity = acting based on the urge (no second thought about implications or consequences)

Compulsiveness = acting without thinking (a habit that "just happens")

Spontaneous = the choice to flow in a different direction (aware and accepting of potential implications/consequences)

The Space Between Stimulus and Response | 18:50

Shops place items they know people will impulse buy next to the checkout.