Welcome to The Exploration Hour. I’m your host Kate, and today we’re diving deep into the essence of resilience. Not just as a concept, but as a living, breathing force within us all. Resilience isn’t merely a buzzword; it’s a dynamic interplay of biology, psychology, and soul—a tapestry woven from science and spirit. Over the next hour, we’ll explore what resilience means, how it manifests in our lives, and how to cultivate it in the face of life’s challenges.

The Ripple Effect of Resilience

Let’s start by considering resilience not just as an individual trait, but as a force that creates ripples—or even waves—throughout our lives. When we nurture our resilience, we set off a chain reaction. Challenges that once seemed insurmountable begin to feel manageable, even transformative. Resilience builds upon itself, creating a positive feedback loop.

Imagine resilience as a muscle. The more we work it, the stronger it becomes. Each time we rise from a setback, we gain confidence in our ability to overcome future obstacles. This isn’t just about grit or perseverance—it’s about growth. As we strengthen our resilience, we expand our capacity for creativity, problem-solving, and empathy.

How to Nurture Resilience

Resilience can be cultivated, just like any other skill. Here are key ways to nurture this essential quality:

* Lean Into Discomfort: Growth often lies just beyond our comfort zone. Seek out opportunities to stretch yourself, whether it’s taking on a new challenge or facing a fear. Each small step outside your comfort zone builds resilience.

* Adopt a Growth Mindset: Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research highlights the power of viewing challenges as opportunities for learning. When we see failure as feedback rather than defeat, we open ourselves to growth.

* Invest in Recovery: Resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about knowing when to rest. Sleep, nutrition, and self-care are foundational to resilience. Think of them as the fuel that powers your ability to bounce back.

* Cultivate Optimism: Optimism isn’t about ignoring difficulties; it’s about believing in the possibility of a positive outcome. Practice reframing negative thoughts. Instead of thinking, “I can’t handle this,” try, “This is tough, but I’ve faced challenges before and come through them.”

* Practice Emotional Regulation: Resilient people are skilled at managing their emotions. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, and journaling can help you process emotions and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

* Build a Support Network: Resilience isn’t a solo endeavor. Connection with others provides emotional sustenance and perspective. Surround yourself with people who encourage and inspire you.

Let’s get nerdy for a moment. At its core, resilience is deeply tied to the brain. The prefrontal cortex, the amygdala, and the hippocampus play critical roles. When we face stress, the amygdala—the brain’s alarm system—activates. Simultaneously, the prefrontal cortex works to regulate this response, helping us think rationally and stay calm.

Here’s the kicker: repeated exposure to manageable stress—known as "stress inoculation"—can strengthen this system. Think of it like weightlifting for your brain. As we encounter and overcome challenges, neural pathways become more robust, improving our ability to handle future difficulties.

Resilience also has a biological component. Cortisol, the stress hormone, spikes during challenging times. While short-term increases in cortisol can enhance focus and energy, chronic stress can lead to imbalances. Regular practices like mindfulness and deep breathing help to regulate cortisol levels, fostering resilience on a physiological level.

Resilience isn’t just about the brain; it’s a whole-body experience. Consider the role of the vagus nerve—a key player in the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs our “rest-and-digest” state. A well-toned vagus nerve promotes calmness and emotional stability. You can strengthen it through practices like yoga, meditation, and even singing or humming.

On a soulful level, resilience is often tied to our sense of purpose. Consider the life of the poet Maya Angelou, whose work and life exemplify resilience. Born in 1928, Angelou endured profound challenges, including childhood trauma and systemic racism. Yet, she transformed these experiences into art and advocacy. Her autobiographical works, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, reveal a spirit unbroken by adversity. Angelou’s resilience wasn’t just about survival; it was about thriving, growing, and creating beauty in the face of pain.

In her poem Still I Rise, Angelou captures the essence of resilience:

You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

This profound connection between resilience and art highlights how our hearts persevere. Creating, whether through writing, painting, or music, is an act of resilience of the soul. It’s a declaration that we are here, we are feeling, and we are continuing despite the hardships we face. Artistic expression becomes a lifeline—a way to process, heal, and move forward.

Resilience doesn’t just affect us—it inspires and uplifts those around us. When we witness someone overcoming adversity, it ignites a spark within us. Their courage becomes a beacon, reminding us of what’s possible.

Think about moments when someone else’s resilience has touched your life. Perhaps it was a friend who faced illness with grace, a parent who navigated life’s storms with quiet strength, or a public figure whose story of perseverance resonated deeply. These examples remind us that resilience is attainable and that we’re not alone in our struggles.

This ripple effect works both ways. When you tap into your own resilience, you might inspire others without even realizing it. Your ability to persevere through hardship could give someone else the courage to face their own challenges. In this way, resilience becomes a collective force, weaving us together in a shared tapestry of growth and support.

Resilience also creates waves of connection. When one person overcomes a hardship, they often become a mentor or guide for others. Their triumph serves as a roadmap, making the path forward feel less daunting for those who follow. This interconnectedness is a testament to our shared humanity. We rise, not just for ourselves, but for each other.

As we close, let’s reflect on the profound truth that resilience is both deeply personal and inherently collective. It is shaped by our biology, nurtured by our communities, and enriched by our souls. Resilience reminds us that we are more capable than we know and that our capacity to endure and grow is limitless.

Think of your own life as a poem yet unwritten, each stanza shaped by the choices you make in the face of adversity. Remember Maya Angelou’s words: "Still, I rise." Let them be a mantra, a reminder that no matter how heavy the burden, no matter how dark the night, there is always light to be found. There is always a way forward.

Take a deep breath. Let it fill your lungs and settle your spirit. Know that within you lies a wellspring of resilience—a force that can move mountains, mend hearts, and inspire others. You are a ripple in a vast ocean, and your resilience has the power to change not just your world, but the world of those around you.

So go forth with courage. Embrace the challenges, cherish the growth, and let your resilience shine brightly. For in your strength, others will find their own. And together, we rise.

If you’re new to this space, I host the Exploration Hour weekday nights on Noom Vibe and we dive into topics that overlap our minds, bodies, and souls and together we figure out how to grow through it all. With that said, this podcast is a collaborative, interactive one, so it may differ drastically from the text in this newsletter. Additionally, this is a live interactive show, so if you’d like to come up, join in the conversation, share a quote, share a story, ask a question, or just take up space because it is calling you, then this is your stage as much as it is mine. Lets explore our outer and inner universes here together. If that sounds like your kinda jam, give me a follow, or listen to some of my other talks underneath the talk tab in my profile.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit katebomb.substack.com

Hour Explorations: Frustration

Hello, and welcome to Hour Explorations, where we dig deep into the terrain of human experience. I’m your guide for the next hour, and today, we’re continuing on yesterday’s unraveling the dense, tangled web of frustration. Together, we’ll explore its origins, its physical and spiritual dimensions, and the wisdom it holds. So find a comfortable place—not just physically, but mentally—and let’s begin.

Frustration. Even the word itself feels tight in the throat.

Let’s start with the science of frustration. Psychologist Abraham Maslow, best known for his hierarchy of needs, argued that frustration is the gap between where we are and where we want to be. It arises when a need—whether physiological, emotional, or self-actualizing—is unmet. Frustration exists on the fault line between desire and reality.

But Maslow’s insights didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Born in 1908 to Russian Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn, Maslow’s early life was steeped in challenges and feelings of alienation. He often felt deeply misunderstood and frustrated by the narrow worldviews of those around him. His academic journey wasn’t smooth either; he struggled to find his footing, enduring numerous rejections before securing a place in academia. His theory of self-actualization was born from a personal drive to rise above his frustrations and a profound curiosity about what drives human potential.

Frustration, for Maslow, wasn’t just an irritant—it was a clue. He observed that people often hit walls when striving for growth, and these walls, rather than being obstacles to avoid, were markers of progress. Frustration, in his view, was a necessary stage in the journey toward self-fulfillment.

And then there’s the poet John Keats, whose short life was marred by financial struggles, unrequited love, and debilitating illness. Keats’ work, particularly his odes, radiates a profound understanding of frustration as a creative force. In “Ode to a Nightingale,” he writes of the tension between fleeting joy and the harsh permanence of human suffering. Keats didn’t shy away from frustration; he channeled it, turning it into art that resonates across centuries.

So, what about the spiritual dimension? Frustration often feels like an existential block, as though the universe itself is conspiring against us. But perhaps it’s the soul’s way of signaling misalignment. In Buddhism, frustration is linked to the concept of “dukkha”—suffering or dissatisfaction. It’s not something to be eradicated but understood. Dukkha is a teacher, guiding us toward acceptance and deeper truth.

Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, offers another lens. In his poem “The Guest House,” he writes:

This being human is a guest house.Every morning a new arrival.A joy, a depression, a meanness,some momentary awareness comesas an unexpected visitor.

He urges us to welcome frustration and other difficult emotions as guests, knowing they each have something to teach us. What if, instead of resisting frustration, we invited it in, sat with it, and listened to what it had to say?

Let’s shift gears. Grab a notebook or open a blank document. It’s time to journal. Here are some prompts to guide your reflections:

* Identify the Source: Write about a recent moment of frustration. What triggered it? Was it external—like a delay or disagreement—or internal, like self-doubt or unmet expectations?

* Map the Reaction: How did your body respond? Did you feel tightness, heat, or restlessness? How did your mind react—anger, sadness, or hopelessness?

* Seek the Lesson: What did this frustration reveal about your desires or values? Is there an unmet need or a deeper fear lurking beneath it?

* Imagine a Shift: If you could revisit this moment with calm and clarity, what would you do differently?

Pause the show if you need time to write. There’s no rush.

Now, let’s talk strategies. What do you do when frustration hits?

* Name It: Simply saying, “I am frustrated” can be a powerful act of acknowledgment. It creates a pause, a moment to separate yourself from the emotion.

* Shift the Frame: Ask yourself, “What is this frustration trying to teach me?” Is it pushing you toward patience, resilience, or innovation?

* Take Micro-Actions: Break down the problem into smaller, manageable steps. Frustration often stems from feeling overwhelmed, and small victories can restore a sense of control.

* Lean on Ritual: Whether it’s meditation, prayer, or simply making tea, rituals ground us. They create space for clarity to emerge.

Befriending Frustration: Turning a Challenging Emotion into Growth

Frustration is a natural response when there’s a gap between what we want and what we’re experiencing. While it's often uncomfortable, frustration isn't an enemy—it’s a signal from our body and mind that something important is at stake. By understanding what frustration is telling us, learning to adapt, and even leaning into it, we can turn it into a powerful tool for personal growth.

What Is Frustration Telling Us?

Frustration often carries hidden messages about our desires, expectations, and values. When we feel it, it’s worth pausing to ask:

* What do I care about?Frustration highlights what matters most to us. It can point to unmet goals, unfulfilled needs, or a sense of injustice.

* Where are my expectations?Sometimes frustration arises because our expectations clash with reality. It’s an opportunity to examine whether those expectations are realistic or need adjustment.

* What skills or resources am I missing?Frustration can signal areas for growth. It’s often the result of feeling ill-equipped to handle a challenge, pointing us toward skills we need to develop or support we need to seek.

The Gift of Frustration

When we lean into frustration instead of fighting it, we discover its hidden gifts. It sharpens our focus, strengthens our problem-solving skills, and deepens our understanding of ourselves and the world. Frustration is a reminder that we’re striving for something meaningful—and by embracing it, we transform challenges into stepping stones for growth.

In befriending frustration, we not only learn to navigate life's difficulties with more grace but also unlock the potential for profound transformation.

Before we close, I want to leave you with a final thought. Frustration, for all its discomfort, is a sign that you care. It means you’re invested, that something matters deeply to you.

As the poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote, “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.”

Frustration lives in those questions, but so does growth, beauty, and transformation.

Thank you for spending this hour with me. May your frustrations become stepping stones, and may you find wisdom in the struggle. Until next time, stay curious and kind to yourself.When we feel frustrated, it triggers both emotional and physical responses in the body. Frustration arises when there's a perceived obstacle to achieving a goal or desire, and the body's stress response gets activated.

If you’re new to this space, I host the Exploration Hour weekday nights on Noom Vibe and we dive into topics that overlap our minds, bodies, and souls and together we figure out how to grow through it all. With that said, this podcast is a collaborative, interactive one, so it may differ drastically from the text in this newsletter. Additionally, this is a live interactive show, so if you’d like to come up, join in the conversation, share a quote, share a story, ask a question, or just take up space because it is calling you, then this is your stage as much as it is mine. Lets explore our outer and inner universes here together. If that sounds like your kinda jam, give me a follow, or listen to some of my other talks underneath the talk tab in my profile.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit katebomb.substack.com

Befriending Frustration

Hello and welcome to The Exploration Hour, where we dig deep into the terrain of human experience. I’m your host Kate and for the next hour, and continuing onto tomorrow, we’re unraveling the dense, tangled web of frustration. Together, we’ll explore how to befriend it, its origins, its physical and spiritual dimensions, and even the wisdom it holds. So find a comfortable place—not just physically, but mentally—and let’s begin.

Frustration. Even the word itself feels tight in the throat. It’s the experience of running full-speed into a locked door, of watching water slip through your fingers when you desperately need to drink. But here’s the thing: frustration is not an enemy. It is, in its raw form, a signal, an invitation to pause, reassess, and reimagine.

The Gift of Frustration

When we lean into frustration instead of fighting it, we discover its hidden gifts. It sharpens our focus, strengthens our problem-solving skills, and deepens our understanding of ourselves and the world. Frustration is a reminder that we’re striving for something meaningful—and by embracing it, we transform challenges into stepping stones for growth.

In befriending frustration, we not only learn to navigate life's difficulties with more grace but also unlock the potential for profound transformation.

History is rife with stories of frustration leading to breakthroughs.

Albert Einstein once said, “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”

Behind this celebrated quote lies a tale of profound frustration. Einstein’s early academic career was a series of closed doors. He couldn’t find a teaching position, so he ended up working at the Swiss patent office. This could have been the end of his scientific pursuits. Instead, he used the quiet hours to formulate the foundations of his theory of relativity. Frustration pushed him to innovate.

Think also of Thomas Edison, who famously remarked, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

His relentless experiments to perfect the incandescent light bulb were marked by frustration at every turn. Yet, it was this friction that ultimately illuminated the world.

Let’s pivot now to common frustrations in everyday life. They range from the trivial to the profound: the slow driver in the fast lane, the uncooperative coworker, the unanswered text, the unexpected bill, or the larger existential frustrations of feeling stuck in a career or a relationship. These moments test our patience and resilience. And yet, they’re universal.

Frustration is one of the most democratic of emotions. It spares no one, and it touches every facet of life. Consider how often we’re frustrated not by the big, dramatic moments but by the mundane—waiting in line, struggling with technology, or misplacing keys. These little irritations accumulate, creating a background hum of dissatisfaction. But what if we viewed them not as nuisances but as opportunities to practice presence and acceptance?

Frustration has a tangible presence in our bodies. It’s the clenched jaw, the tight shoulders, the racing heart. To combat it, we must first acknowledge its physicality. Breathe with me for a moment. Inhale deeply through your nose—hold it—and exhale slowly. Feel the tension soften, even slightly.

Our physical selves mirror our emotional states, but the reverse is also true. Change your posture, and you can shift your mindset. Stand tall, stretch, or take a walk when frustration grips you. The movement disrupts the cycle.

Before we close, I want to leave you with a final thought. Frustration, for all its discomfort, is a sign that you care. It means you’re invested, that something matters deeply to you.

As the poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote, “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.”

Frustration lives in those questions, but so does growth, beauty, and transformation.

Thank you for spending this hour with me. May your frustrations become stepping stones, and may you find wisdom in the struggle. Until next time, stay curious and kind to yourself.

To be Continued Tomorrow.

_______________________________________________________________________

If you’re new to this space, I host the Exploration Hour weekday nights on Noom Vibe and we dive into topics that overlap our minds, bodies, and souls and together we figure out how to grow through it all. With that said, this podcast is a collaborative, interactive one, so it may differ drastically from the text in this newsletter. Additionally, this is a live interactive show, so if you’d like to come up, join in the conversation, share a quote, share a story, ask a question, or just take up space because it is calling you, then this is your stage as much as it is mine. Lets explore our outer and inner universes here together. If that sounds like your kinda jam, give me a follow, or listen to some of my other talks underneath the talk tab in my profile.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit katebomb.substack.com

Welcome to The Exploration Hour— a space where we dive deep into what it means to live curiously, adventurously, and fully. I’m your host, and today, we’re exploring something that’s as old as humanity itself: wonder. You know, that childlike awe when you see something for the first time, or the thrill that runs down your spine when you encounter something so vast it takes your breath away. Wonder isn’t just a feeling; it’s a doorway—a portal to exploration, creativity, and connection.

In this space, we talk about the worlds within us as we walk in the worlds around us, and together, if we can connect, and listen, and share, we can grow through it all together too. I host this space weekday evenings and open the door to exploring these worlds with you— so if you’d liek to come up here and share, please do so. This is not my space, but ours to build together. If that sounds like your kind of Jam— give me a follow and listen on as we are going to explore and wonder together ahead tonight.

To get us started, let’s turn our attention to a brilliant mind who lived and breathed wonder—Carl Sagan.

Sagan’s life and work epitomized the power of curiosity and wonder to propel humanity forward. Through his groundbreaking contributions to astronomy, science communication, and space exploration, he invited us to look up and see ourselves as part of something vast and extraordinary.

Sagan once said, “We all have a thirst for wonder. It's a deeply human quality. Science and religion are both bound up with it. What I'm saying is, you don't have to make stories up, you don't have to exaggerate. There's wonder and awe enough in the real world. Nature's a lot better at inventing wonders than we are.”

Wonder, as Sagan showed us, is the spark that makes us human, that pushes us to explore, to innovate, and to dream. So today, let’s talk about how we can embrace wonder in our minds, bodies, and souls—and perhaps, even among the stars.

Let’s start with our minds. Wonder is essentially curiosity on steroids. It’s what compels scientists to ask questions like, “What’s out there?” and “How does this work?” Carl Sagan’s curiosity about the cosmos was ignited as a child when he first visited the 1939 New York World’s Fair and learned about the universe’s vastness. He once described seeing stars as realizing the sheer enormity of space and our small, yet significant, place within it. That sense of wonder stayed with him throughout his life and became the cornerstone of his scientific endeavors.

Wonder is also a neurological event. And taking a new direction away from the heavier talks of the last few nights on stress, we’re going ot pivot, and talk about something beautiful and wondrous and still has those big chemical effects on our minds— wonder. When we experience awe, the brain releases dopamine—that lovely neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and motivation. This happens because our brain loves solving mysteries. Wonder is like a mystery that we get to live inside of. For Sagan, these mysteries weren’t just about the stars; they were about life itself. His work on the Voyager Golden Record—a message sent into space for potential extraterrestrial life—was a manifestation of his awe for the interconnectedness of humanity and the cosmos.

Here’s a thought experiment for you: the next time you feel stressed, step outside and look at the night sky. Imagine, as Sagan often said, that each star is a sun, potentially with planets orbiting it. Some of those planets might even harbor life. Doesn’t that make your worries feel a little smaller and your sense of wonder a little bigger?

Part 2: Wonder and Travel

Let’s shift gears and talk about travel and adventure. If wonder is the spark, travel is the oxygen that keeps it burning. The act of wandering—stepping into the unknown—is deeply tied to our sense of wonder. Think about it: when you travel, you’re exposed to new sights, sounds, smells, and cultures. These unfamiliar experiences jolt us out of our routines and make us hyper-aware of the world around us.

For Carl Sagan, travel wasn’t just terrestrial; it was interstellar. He spent much of his life advocating for space exploration, believing that humanity’s greatest adventure lay among the stars. Through missions like Voyager and the exploration of Mars, Sagan showed us that to wander is to wonder. His famous words from the book Pale Blue Dot remind us of our place in the universe: “Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us.” This perspective, born of his deep sense of awe, invites us to see our planet—and our lives—as part of a much grander narrative.

Even if your travels are confined to Earth, the same principles apply. Travel isn’t just about seeing the world; it’s about seeing yourself in the world. When you’re in a place where you don’t speak the language, for instance, you’re forced to engage more deeply with your surroundings. You’re reminded of the vastness of human experience and the beauty of connection despite differences. That’s wonder in action.

Here’s a practical takeaway: make travel—even small-scale travel—a part of your life. Explore your own city like a tourist. Visit a museum you’ve never been to or take a road trip to a nearby town. And when you do, let yourself wander. Get lost. Trust that the adventure will lead you somewhere meaningful.

Part 3: Wonder and the Body

Now, let’s talk about the body. Did you know that experiencing awe—a close cousin of wonder—can lower your blood pressure and reduce inflammation? Studies have shown that people who regularly experience awe have lower levels of cytokines, the proteins that signal inflammation in the body. In other words, wonder is good for your physical health.

Think about it. When you’re out hiking and you suddenly reach the top of a mountain, and you see the vast expanse of the world stretching out before you, your heart rate slows. You take a deep breath. Your body, quite literally, resets itself. Even your posture changes. Wonder invites us to open up physically. Shoulders back. Eyes wide. Mouth often agape. It’s as if your body is saying, “Yes, more of this, please.”

For Sagan, the physical body wasn’t separate from the cosmos—it was a part of it. He often spoke of how the elements in our bodies—carbon, nitrogen, oxygen—were forged in the hearts of ancient stars. “We are made of star-stuff,” he said, reminding us that our very existence is a testament to the wonder of the universe.

Part 4: Wonder and the Soul

Finally, let’s talk about wonder and the soul. Wonder connects us to something larger than ourselves. It’s what makes us feel whole. Whether you call it spirituality, interconnectedness, or just being present, wonder invites us to step out of our own heads and into the vast, intricate web of life.

Carl Sagan beautifully captured this when he said, “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” His life was a testament to wonder. Through his groundbreaking work in astronomy and his ability to communicate the beauty of science to the masses, Sagan bridged the gap between the scientific and the spiritual. His series Cosmos was more than a television show; it was a love letter to the universe and an invitation for all of us to fall in love with it, too.

There’s something almost sacred about moments of wonder. Think about standing under a night sky filled with stars. You can’t help but feel small, but it’s a good kind of small. It’s the kind of small that makes you realize you’re part of something unimaginably grand. Wonder reminds us that life is bigger than our daily routines, our worries, and even our individual lives.

And here’s the thing: we are all adventurers. Every single one of us. You don’t have to scale Mount Everest or dive to the depths of the ocean to feel like an explorer. The journey of being human is an adventure in itself. Every day is a chance to discover something new about yourself, about others, and about the world.

Journaling Exercise

I’d like to invite you to take five minutes today to journal about wonder. Here are three prompts to get you started:

* What is something that recently made you pause and feel awe? Describe it in as much detail as you can.

* Think back to your childhood. What used to fill you with wonder? How can you bring more of that into your life now?

* Imagine yourself as an adventurer. What would your journey look like if you fully embraced curiosity and wonder?

Don’t overthink it. Just let the words flow. This isn’t about writing something perfect; it’s about connecting to that part of you that’s curious and open.

Part 5: The History of Awe

What is wonder? Philosophers and scientists alike have wrestled with this question for centuries. Aristotle considered wonder the beginning of wisdom, a catalyst for philosophy and inquiry. But wonder is more than intellectual curiosity; it’s an emotional experience that blends surprise with a deep sense of connection.

Neuroscience provides some fascinating insights here. When we experience wonder, the brain’s default mode network quiets, allowing us to shift from self-focused thoughts to a sense of unity with the world. It’s as if wonder rewires us, however briefly, for connection and discovery.

In this segment, we’ll discuss the dual nature of wonder: the awe-inspiring vastness of the cosmos, and the intimate mysteries of our inner psyche. Whether we’re staring at the Milky Way or reflecting on the depth of a poem, wonder demands that we step outside our usual modes of thinking.

Part 6: Wonder and the Soul Outer Journeys – Wonder in the Natural World

Let’s venture outward. Humanity has always been driven by the desire to explore the unknown. From the first humans who crossed uncharted lands to modern space missions, our outer journeys are fueled by the hunger for understanding and awe.

Consider the story of Voyager 1, the spacecraft that carried Carl Sagan’s "Pale Blue Dot" photograph. Taken from 3.7 billion miles away, this image of Earth reminds us of our fragility and interconnectedness. Sagan said, "Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us." Such moments of cosmic perspective evoke profound wonder.

But wonder isn’t reserved for grandiose explorations. It’s also in the small details of the natural world: the fractal patterns of snowflakes, the migration of monarch butterflies, or the way a forest floor teems with life. These moments remind us that wonder is always accessible, provided we’re willing to look.

Part 7: Wonder and the Soul Inner Journeys – The Terrain of the Mind

Now we turn inward, exploring the landscapes of our own minds and hearts. Inner journeys are less tangible than voyages to distant lands but no less significant. They’re the contemplative reflections, the creative endeavors, and the spiritual practices that connect us to ourselves and the larger universe.

Consider how literature and art stir our sense of wonder. The writings of Rainer Maria Rilke, for instance, often invite us to "live the questions" and dwell in uncertainty. Similarly, meditation and mindfulness teach us to approach our inner lives with curiosity and openness, turning even the most mundane moments into opportunities for awe.

Philosophically, wonder challenges us to embrace paradox. It’s the simultaneous recognition of how much we know and how much remains unknown. This balance of humility and curiosity fuels both personal growth and collective progress.

Part 8: The Bridge Between Inner and Outer Worlds

Here’s where the magic happens: the intersection of inner and outer exploration. Think of wonder as a bridge. When we gaze at a distant galaxy, it reflects our own yearning for connection and meaning. When we delve into our emotions or imaginations, we often find metaphors drawn from the natural world.

Joseph Campbell, the great mythologist, spoke of the "hero’s journey" as a cycle of outward adventure and inward transformation. Every step into the unknown—whether physical, emotional, or intellectual—reshapes us. And when we return, we bring back something precious: insight, compassion, or a renewed sense of purpose.

Closing Reflections

As we conclude today’s exploration, let us remember that wonder is not a destination but a way of being. It invites us to see the world—and ourselves—with fresh eyes. Whether your next adventure takes you to a distant mountain range, a beloved book, or a quiet moment of introspection, let wonder guide you.

Thank you for joining us on The Exploration Hour. Until next time, stay curious, stay open, and let the maps of your inner and outer journeys expand infinitely.

Remember this: wonder is your birthright. It’s the thing that makes you human and connects you to every other person on this planet. So go out there. Be curious. Be open. Be the adventurer you were born to be.

Thank you for spending this time with me on “Embracing Wonder.” Until next time, keep your eyes wide, your heart open, and your spirit adventurous.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit katebomb.substack.com

Breaking Free from Labels: Rediscovering the True You

Welcome, everyone to another Episode of our Exploration Hour! My name is Kate and I use this space to take us on an audio journey of discovery and exploration with you all. Now I took a much needed break these last few months, exploring, trying new things, new adventures, new challenges, and I am so excited to be back to reconnect with you all, dive in deeper, and to create new discoveries again together too. Now if you’re new here Welcome! If you are returning, welcome back! I’m so excited to be back here again with you all. This space might look a little different than it did before, and hopefully, as we grow again in this space together, it WILL look different in the future too— Be cause we are creating this together, right now, right here and simply because we’ve evolving and exploring things together, especially ourselves.

So what is The Exploration Hour, and what does that mean? So, usually we use this time to reflect on a quote of the day, dive deeper in and apply it to our day, our week, or our lives. Sometimes we get nerdy into the science of life, the universe and our place in it, and sometimes we explore those universes within, but almost always we discover something together. Inwards, outwards, or it all. Also— this space is an interactive one, so if you want to jump in, add some points of view, share your experiences, I encourage you all to do so. Now I know it can be scary to jump up here and get vulnerable and share, but So many people can benefit from your perspective, your lived experiences, and things that you have to share, so don’t be shy and feel free to come up and share this space with me.

Today, and into this week, we're diving into a topic that touches all of us: labels. You know, those words and phrases we stick to ourselves—sometimes willingly, sometimes not. Maybe you’ve called yourself ‘shy,’ ‘lazy,’ ‘not good enough,’ or even something positive like ‘the responsible one’ or ‘the strong one.’ But here's the thing: labels can be both comforting and limiting.

Today’s quote is from none other than Carl Jung. Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist, psychotherapist, psychologist and pioneering evolutionary theorist who founded the school of analytical psychology. He is well known for analytical thinking, and especially self reflection, and I wanted to highlight a quote from him today because of his well developed work in discovering and nurturing the sense of self and individualism.

Carl Jung once said, ‘The world will ask you who you are, and if you don’t know, the world will tell you.’

Now Carl Jung had a very divisive upbringing, where he developed a certain sense of self-awareness and this level of self-awareness started out as an acknowledgement of self and because of this, he also knew the capacity for change was all within him as well. Example being— When Carl Jung was in primary school, he was knocked out by another boy, and he then made the assumption that school was going to knowck him out and make him faint. So Carl Jung, as a young boy, developed an association of consciousness around his ability to go to school and interact around schoolwork, his peers, and studying. It was absolutely debilitating for him, and his fainting spells were only associated with school and schoolwork.

Then the labels came flooding out, he was a sick child, that he was not right in the mind, he was labeled as peculiar, lazy, a liar, faking it, he was tested for epilepsy and thought to be a sickly child, and that he would never amount to anything—and it wasn’t until he overheard these conversations his father was having about him and his condition, that he acknowledged this association of fainting with schoolwork, and also acknowledged that the power to change it was within him as well. Carl Jung, instead of accepting his labels and his strange circumstance, locked himself in a library and studied latin and fainted over and over again to overcome something that later would help him define the unconscious self, the power of our minds, and more.

We have to be careful with words, with labels, Sometimes we tell ourselves the wrong story before the world even gets a chance to impart it’s labels on us too.

Labels are mental shortcuts. They help us make sense of the world quickly, and our brains love efficiency. But when it comes to self-labeling, we often over-identify with certain traits, creating a narrative that shapes our lives or protects us from fears, either imagined or real. For Carl Jung it was that schoolwork made him shut life down. Research in psychology shows that labels can become self-fulfilling prophecies. If you believe you’re ‘bad at math,’ your brain will naturally steer you away from math-related activities, reinforcing the belief.

Let’s take a moment. I want you to think about a label you’ve been carrying for a while. What’s the first one that pops into your head? [Pause for reflection] Now, ask yourself:

* Where did this label come from?

* Is it still serving me?

* If not, what’s one label I could replace it with?

If you’re listening later, feel free to jot it down. For those with me now, drop it in the chat or just sit with it for a moment.

So now that we recognize some labels and where they’re coming from—how do we let go of these limiting labels? Science offers a few clues:

* Neuroplasticity: Our brains are constantly changing. Even if you’ve told yourself for years that you’re ‘not confident,’ your brain can rewire itself through intentional practice.

* Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: A study published in Frontiers in Psychology showed that mindfulness reduces the impact of negative self-labeling by increasing present-moment awareness. When you notice a limiting thought, pause, and observe it without judgment.

* Behavioral Experiments: Try acting against the label. If you think, "I'm not social," challenge that by starting a conversation with someone. Each small action rewires your brain.

Instead of letting the world—or an old belief—define you, why not choose empowering labels? Here are some ideas:

* Instead of “I’m anxious,” try “I’m working on my courage.”

* Replace “I’m not creative” with “I’m curious and exploring.”

* Instead of “I’m not good enough,” say “I’m evolving.”

Labels are meant to be flexible, not final.

Next, I invite you to think of a new label you’d like to wear, just for today. Maybe it’s 'learner,' 'kind friend,' or 'adventurer.' What label would you like to give yourself right now?

Take a deep breath, write it down, and carry it with you today.

As we close, I want to leave you with a thought : The labels we choose, or reject, shape our stories. and our lives. Choose them wisely, with compassion, and with the knowledge that they can always change.

Thank you for being here today, and remember: you are more than any label you’ve ever been given or that you’ve given yourself. You’re a complex, beautiful soul and you are worthy simply because you exist.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit katebomb.substack.com

Listen now | Inwards and outwards journeys of our soul, and what we bring back with us-- with a poem ready by Sir Sean Connery by C.P. Cavafy

Hello friends, It's Friday! It is now officially the end of the week with a great weekend ahead of us now! Welcome to the Exploration Hour I am Coach Kate your host. I host this space weekday mornings where we dive into quotes, ideas, moments together to connect and explore things that matter. This space is a collaborative one, which means, if you have thoughts, ideas, or things to add or share with all of us here, you are welcome to. This is called the exploration Hour because I give this space an hour to explore. Sometimes we go under time, sometimes we go over time, but this hour is ours to connect. If that sounds like a space you want to be a part of, give me a follow and we will explore this hour together. 

This week we've been diving into the power of travel. We talked on Monday how travel enriches us, and Tuesday we talked about how travel can transform us, Wednesday was all about the power of finding ourselves through travel, and just yesterday we dove into our whys around why we travel-- what inspires us, why we lean into travel and what ways we can cultivate this to help inspire future travels and journeys ahead. I have learned so much from you all through these discussions, often writing out or planning out a thought or idea around travel, and am always so pleasantly surprised by all the dimensions you all bring to these discussions. Your thoughts, perspectives and ideas enrich this special place we've cultivated here, so I thank each and every one of you for being brave, sharing ,collaborating ,or listening in here on our little show. If you didn't get the chance to tune in this past week,  we had so many wonderful, beautiful discussions with people all over the world sharing such amazing stories and experiences, vulnerabilities and perspectives-- and I am so excited to continue this into today as well! If you missed those talks, they are underneath the talk tab in my profile so feel free to dive in there and listen to those or any of my past talks there too!

Today, is our special Friday Episode, and I wanted to continue on this trend of Travel, as I am learning so much from you all by sharing this space and talking about your adventures you've had, or have yet to have. We are all here going on an audio odyssey together, and I enjoy sharing this journey with you all. This is a reminder that this space is a collaborative one, if you would like to come up here, share your stories, your perspectives, thoughts, and ideas, this space is yours too. Feel free to come up, and when there are pauses in the conversation, or moments where I can bring you into share, I would love to have you on. 

So typically on this show, we have an intro, we talk about some of the subjects from the week, we share a quote or a piece of literature or even just an idea out there in the world, bring in some big and small questions, and then we discuss, dive in and bring our own thoughts and perspectives and explore. This space is about exploring, so there are not wrongs or rights, just questions, thoughts and feelings that these subjects, quotes or ideas bring about. 

I have a beautiful, beautiful poem to share with you all today that is one of my favorite poems in the world. In fact, my favorite version of this poem is on youtube read by none other than Sir Sean Connery and paired with music and it is EPIC. Here it is:

This poem is called Ithaka and it is written by one of the most prolific poets to come out of Greece in the 20th century: C. P. Cavafy. It's beautiful, illustrious, and paints a picture of not only mythical greek life, but also what we bring to that life as modern humans as well. I thought it fit perfectly as an end to this weeks Travel discussion, and that it could open the door to more thoughts, and ideas as we look ahead to adventures and travels of our own. Here it is:

Ithaka

BY C. P. CAVAFY

TRANSLATED BY EDMUND KEELEY

As you set out for Ithaka

hope your road is a long one,

full of adventure, full of discovery.

Laistrygonians, Cyclops,

angry Poseidon—don’t be afraid of them:

you’ll never find things like that on your way

as long as you keep your thoughts raised high,

as long as a rare excitement

stirs your spirit and your body.

Laistrygonians, Cyclops,

wild Poseidon—you won’t encounter them

unless you bring them along inside your soul,

unless your soul sets them up in front of you.

Hope your road is a long one.

May there be many summer mornings when,

with what pleasure, what joy,

you enter harbors you’re seeing for the first time;

may you stop at Phoenician trading stations

to buy fine things,

mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,

sensual perfume of every kind—

as many sensual perfumes as you can;

and may you visit many Egyptian cities

to learn and go on learning from their scholars.

Keep Ithaka always in your mind.

Arriving there is what you’re destined for.

But don’t hurry the journey at all.

Better if it lasts for years,

so you’re old by the time you reach the island,

wealthy with all you’ve gained on the way,

not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.

Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey.

Without her you wouldn't have set out.

She has nothing left to give you now.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka won’t have fooled you.

Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,

you’ll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.

What I love most about this poem is what we've touched on so much here this week: the ideas that travel isn't just an external experience, but an internal one as well. And we can travel all over the world, or just down the street, and we still meet and see ourselves in the world around and within us. What's also special about this poem to me, is that it walks along the past, and into the future, connecting us to myths that built us, and built empires, and brings us into building the future as well. Time is a journey we are all on and a part of, and we can resist travel, internal or external, but we cannot resist the constant urging and persistence of time. With that, we are all on journeys here and now just by existing in this moment. 

With that, I would like to open this up to some questions, some discussion, some mindfulness or explorations of all kinds. If you are new to the show here, I usually ask a few questions at this point of the show. These questions are both here to inspire conversation, but also to be reflective if your style is not to share with our group, but to go inwards and explore as well. If you like to journal, or like to meditate on questions as part of your own inner exploration, I encourage to get out a pen and notebook, or even find a cozy place for you to think out these questions, write them out, or reflect on them for your own personal growth. Additionally, if you have your own personal prompts that have helped you, you are encouraged to come up and share as well. This space is a collaborative one, but it can also being mindful and meditative if that's what you need. So here are todays questions:

What ways are you traveling right now?

What ways do you want to travel?

What do you feel your soul is setting up for you? What is in front of you that is allowing your growth?

What is in front of you, that needs to be conquered in order for you to grow?

What do you hope to bring back from your inner and outer travels of your life? 

I ask these questions today because we are closing the door on this discussion about travel this week, but many of us are still traveling, still in the middle of it, or have both adventures and travels planned or unplanned ahead. Life is a daring adventure, and a trip around the sun through time, or a trip down the road, or to an obscure cafe at the end of the world all bring us treasures to reflect on. This past week we've talked about memories, about healing ,about trauma, about belonging, about food (so much food!), and each of these stories connects us as if we're all sitting at this table of life together, sharing, and belonging as humans on Earth. Thank you all for giving us so much to connect over. I'm looking forward to more travels with you all, more discussions, and more connection as we all hold space in this little pocket of the virtual audio world together.

I'm Coach Kate, and this has been a Friday episode of the Exploration Hour. If you liked what you heard today, give me a follow. Follow our other contributors here as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for a transcript of this show and some extras thrown in as well. I am looking forward to more explorations with you all next week. See you Monday. 

Thanks for reading Kate’s Space! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Thank you for reading Kate’s Space. This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit katebomb.substack.com

Listen now | Getting into the reasons behind why we go where we go when we go, with a quote and inspiration from Anthony Bourdain

Hello friends, Happy Thursday and Welcome to the Exploration Hour. I host this space weekday mornings where we dive into quotes, ideas, moments together to connect and explore things that matter together and what they mean to us. This space is a collaborative one, which means, if you have thoughts, ideas, or things to add or share with all of us here, you are welcome to. This is called the exploration Hour because I give this space an hour to explore. Sometimes we go under time, sometimes we go over time, but this hour is ours to connect. If that sounds like a space you want to be a part of, give me a follow and we will explore this hour together. 

This week we've been diving into the power of travel. We talked on Monday about how travel enriches us, Tuesday we talked about how travel can transform us, and yesterday we talked about how travel can reveal ourselves to us as well. These were such beautiful discussions with wonderful people sharing such amazing stories and experiences, and I am so excited to continue this into today as well! If you missed those talks, they are underneath the talk tab in my profile so feel free to dive in there and listen to any of my past talks there too!

Today we are going to dive into what inspires us to travel. This subject in particular was inspired by so many people this week sharing their travel stories here on the Exploration Hour, and I couldn't help to notice that the reasons why we travel were so different, not only to person to person, but also it varied with people at different phases of their lives as well. The motivations, the reasons, the inspirations we use to get us out the door and to travel in our lives can be different from person to person, or come at ourselves at different points of our lives.

Today's quote is from late, great Anthony Bourdain, who was a renowned chef and writer, often exploring the backroads, the small town eateries, and finding those diamond in the rough. He unabashedly would step outside of his comfort zone to explore and find both meaning and delicious little gems along the way as well. Heis passion for cooking and connecting with others, despite their background or accolades led him to travel across the world and bridge those boundaries that usually hold people apart. Here is one of his many wonderful quotes ans perspectives about travel:

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain 

Today's quote from Anthony Bourdain illustrates the discomfort AND the reward of travel, and this dichotomy of it, as well as him giving back parts of himself, his soul, and his experiences are probably one of the things that led him to keep on exploring, trying new foods, and connecting with others. 

Recently I just got back from a trip to Japan with my son, and this was one of the reasons I wanted to dive into talking about travel this week as a mind and soul experience with you all. One of the purposes of my own trip was to share my past experiences that I had with my son. For me, it was about reliving my own experiences, and forging those new experiences now with my child too. This trip for me, was about recognizing where I come from, and bringing all that I've built back with me to experience it all.

So now I wanted to open it all up to you all out here. if you journal, or internalize these questions in my talks, feel free to get out a pen, or take a moment to reflect on these questions for yourself at home right now. If you like to use these questions as a prompt or to come up here and share, please do! This space is a collaborative one, and I would love to hear some of your travel stories, your experiences, your why for travel, or even what you hope travel can do or bring into your life. Here are some questions to get us started:

What prompted you to travel in the past?

If you have a trip coming up, or even a destination you're dreaming of, what is inspiring you to take that trip?

What is a reason you want to go somewhere on your bucket list? What is something you found while on a trip that you didn't realize you were needing or in search of?

What is something you can share to help inspire someone else to take that first step towads a trip of their dreams? 

The reasons why we travel can vary so much. Sometimes what we seek while traveling is joy and fun, or is very meticulously planned, and sometimes, just showing up to a place with nothing but the clothes we exist in that day is the journey and the adventure. 

The thing with travel, is that this is all okay. Whether you leave your front steps looking for an adventure and all that spontaneity brings you, or if you have a structured out plan, travel can show up for you in ways you need it, when you need it. 

The art of travel, is not only what it brings to you, but what you are willing and open to to allow it to be an exchange. We are all seeking something, or hiding from something, and in the end, we all desire to feel something, and sometimes we find we belong. Not only to the world we come from, but to the earth, and to ourselves. 

I'm Coach Kate. Thank you for joining us today for my show. The Exploration Hour. I host this space weekday mornings where we dive into explorations, big and small together, and share. I'll be back tomorrow with a special Friday episode, so be sure to give me a follow, our other collaborators a follow and tune in again tomorrow. 

Thanks for reading Kate’s Space! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Thank you for reading Kate’s Space. This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit katebomb.substack.com

How travel helps us meet ourselves, with a quote from Civil Rights Activist and Author James Baldwin.

Hello friends, Happy Wednesday! It is now officially midweek! Welcome to the Exploration Hour. I host this space weekday mornings where we dive into quotes, ideas, moments together to connect and explore things that matter together and what they mean to us. This space is a collaborative one, which means, if you have thoughts, ideas, or things to add or share with all of us here, you are welcome to. This is called the exploration Hour because I give this space an hour to explore. Sometimes we go under time, sometimes we go over time, but this hour is ours to connect. If that sounds like a space you want to be a part of, give me a follow and we will explore this hour together. 

This week we've been diving into the power of travel. We talked on Monday how travel enriches us, and yesterday we talked about how travel can transform us. These were such beautiful discussions with wonderful people sharing such amazing stories and experiences, and I am so excited to continue this into today as well! If you missed those talks, they are underneath the talk tab in my profile so feel free to dive in there and listen to any of my past tlaks there too!

So today, today we're going to talk about finding yourself, belonging and what it means to travel into this realm of self-discovery

Today, I chose a quote on travel from none other than James Baldwin. James Baldwin is one of my favorite writers of all time, and I found his quote not only fitting for today's show, but wanted to highlight him since today is also Juneteenth and pride month, and his voice, his work, his writing was always such.a powerful voice not only for the Black community but also for for LGBTQ+ and marginalized people everywhere. If you haven't read any James Baldwin yet, I encourage to just start, his words are absolutely beautiful and intoxicating and heartbreaking and so so real. James Baldwin traveled quite a bit in his life, often as an extension of finding and understanding himself and his place is a very divided world, and he wrote about these experiences extensively, honestly, and beautifully. Here is a quote of his from his travels to Europe:

“I met a lot of people in Europe. I even encountered myself.” – James Baldwin

Love this quote so much because it shows us the power of meeting ourselves wherever we go. We think we travel to see other things, experience other sides of cultures, traditions, and worlds, and that is true, but what travel also does to us is that it shows us our collective humanity and how we fit into places that we were not formed by. James Baldwin let go of comfort for his travels and even went on expeditions across the seas and leaned into discomfort, the unknown, and let that guide him for his writings, particularly his book titled Across Oceans and Islands, where his recounts his experiences learning how to navigate across the oceans and what it meant for this New York born Civil Rights activist. We cannot judge others experiences or lives if we aren't first willing to experience this, and James Baldwin not only spoke of this, but lived it too. In his constant search of belonging, he found he met himself on these journeys too. 

Sometimes we need to let go of the comfortable, the cubicle, the commute, the zoom meetings, the packed lunches, the eggs at the grocery store, the robo-callers, and even the local football game on Friday, and let it all go to find these parts of ourselves-- the deeper, intimate, parts of ourselves that really truly belong to us. When we travel ,we scrape away the familiar, and replace the mundane with adventure, curiosity, and openness. Such beautiful, brilliant things have blossomed out of these things and have opened the door for connection, belonging, innovations, and happiness. 

So I wanted to open this now to you.

What ways has travel changed you?

What things have you discovered about you while on a trip, or hope to discover about yourself? 

There are places that belong to us because we are open to experiencing them. We bring ourselves to them, and they reveal not what they are, but who WE are. 

I'm Coach Kate. Thank you all for listening today, for being here, for exploring with your minds, and traveling with me here even in this small intimate space we hold together. If you liked what you heard today, give me a follow. I host this space weekdays and I am so happy to share it all with you, hear your stories, collaborate and learn. I will be back tomorrow for another episode of our Exploration Hour. See you then. 

Thanks for reading Kate’s Space! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Thank you for reading Kate’s Space. This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit katebomb.substack.com

Hello friends, Happy Tuesday. Happy Transformation Tuesday. Welcome to the Exploration Hour. I host this space weekday mornings where we dive into quotes, ideas, moments together to connect and explore these things and what they mean to us. This space is a collaborative one, which means, if you have thoughts, ideas, or things to add or share with all of us here, you are welcome to. This is called the exploration Hour because I give this space an hour to explore. Sometimes we go under time, sometimes we go over time, but this hour is ours to connect. If that sounds like a space you want to be a part of, give me a follow and we will explore this hour together. 

So today, Tuesday, Transformation Tuesday. Transformation Tuesday is a popular hashtag on social media. Transformation is such a positive, future-driven word. When I hear transformation, I think of butterflies, make overs, and being a boy-mom-- even those transformer toys-- and what always sticks with me is the positive possibility of transformation. We can transform into a beautiful butterfly, or a even race car, or change at any moment-- which is so exhilarating and exciting to envision. The thing is, transformation is often uncomfortable, and in order to transform, we often have to get to that part of us that many of us actively avoid and and every chance we get: discomfort. We cannot change or transform as long as we're comfortable. And often we gete so stuck in the lovely feeling of being cozy or comfortable, we take away the ability and drive for beautiful transformations ahead. 

This week, we're talking about travel. I just got back from a vacation and we started this conversation yesterday where we really dove into the idea of perspective, change, and letting go of the expected. There is something about the complete immersion of travel that requires you to let go of the known, lean into discomfort, and then-- take those beautiful steps towards transformation. We learn so much while traveling, whether it's that you like a certain food, or that you can walk 10k steps a day, or that that market down the street has the nicest lady who then became a long distance friend. 

So today's quote is by the immeasurable Freya Stark. Freya was a British-Italian explorer and travel writer who spoke several languages, and wrote over two dozen books on her travels throughout the middle east and other distant countries, mostly in the Orient in a time when it was forbidden for Westerners to travel and explore there. Her openness to explore other cultures and give a detailed, personal account of her adventures as a woman especially, really paved the way for understanding and cultivating perspective and even respect towards other distant cultures at the time. Here is her quote on travel and adventure: 

“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure.”

Freya Stark

And this quote is perfect in the sense that it explores this idea of adventure opposed to fear. You see when we lean into the idea of transformation as an adventure, rather than the scary unknown, we are open to what the world can give us, opposed to what we can control. There is nothing like being in a new town, not knowing, that opens up your senses to all that can be. Oftentimes when I coach people, and they go away on a vacation, or have a trip, the come back--different. Their environment has changed, the food they ate was different, maybe their sleeping pattens were shifted, or they had more sunshine or activity. This is exactly the moment of transformation for many of them. This is the time, when they return to keep what they loved and found helpful, beautiful, and wonderful to integrate that into their changed perspectives. 

So today-- I want to ask you: how has travel transformed you? Changed your perspective, allowed you to grow? What has letting go of the familiar done for your transformation into where you are today? 

To transform is to change, recreate ourselves inwardly, and even give the opportunity to change and influence our environment around us too. Transformation isn't just about what we take from the world around us, it is about what we have to give back as well. So the next time you feel stagnant, you feel down, or lacking purpose, ask yourself, what ways can I kickstart the transformation within? 

I'm Coach Kate-- you've been a part of our Exploration Hour today on NoomVibe. If you liked what you heard, give me a follow. Follow our other contributors and feel free to dive in to more content on this app as you go too. You can find more of my talks underneath the talk tab in  my profile. If reading is more your jam, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter linked in my bio-- it has a text version of this show e-mailed out the day of broadcasting, right into your e-mail inbox. 

Thank you for listening today, I'll be back tomorrow at the same time to continue our travels and talks! 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit katebomb.substack.com

Listen now | How travel helps us grow, builds confidence, and pushes us outside our comfort-zone

Good morning. Happy Monday Friends! Coach Kate here with another episode of  the Exploration Hour for us all today. I typically host this space and Minute Explorations weekday mornings where we dive into ideas that matter together-- So, I've been on vacation the last few weeks, and I am excited to be back again and to host this space again with you all. We typically use this space to dive into ideas, quotes, literature, moments that affect us, make us think, and make the world around us deeper, better, and more full together. If that sounds like a space you want to be a part of, to listen to, or even contribute towards, give me a follow and let's create this space together. 

So today, and even into this week, I thought we'd focus on travel, travel stories, travel perspectives, and even how travel influences us in our lives-- especially when we're open and ready for that influence. Since I just got back from my own travel, and letting the world influence my thoughts, my time, my goals, it is front and center of my mind so let's open this space to share and collaborate on what travel means to us here together today. If you are new to this space welcome, if you are back again welcome back. I am Coach Kate and I am so glad you are all here, so let's dive in and talk, all things travel this week with me. 

To get us started today, a quote has been on my mind a lot these last few weeks, os I thought I would share it all with you here too in the hope it affects you, or inspires you, or if you have something to share about your own experiences with this quote, you feel ready to come up here and share it with us all today too. There was a quote I once read attributed to an anonymous author that makes me treasure these times I travel in my life so much, so I thought I would share it all with you all too. Here it is:

Travel is the one thing you can buy that makes you richer  -- anonymous

So I've been immersed in Japan and South Korea these last few weeks and I have been thinking about this quote a LOT, mostly because the thing I realize where I am gaining that wealth the most-- is in confidence. I used to live in Japan a long time ago, and I loved my experiences there. I knew the language, I loved the food, the people, everything. I knew when I had children one day I would bring them back here so they would also fall in love with this country liek I did once too, and it has been a joy to see that unfold the last few weeks with my son. 

So, on another episode in the future, I really want ot dive in to a really special concept with kids, something I never considered when I was young, but something that is so very special to me now. There is a really special connection you can form with your kids when you've mastered something as a kid or young adult, or even right now, and it doesn't have to be epic, it can be silly or insane, or a party trick even, but your mastery of it will always catch up with you. and when your kids come along later in your life, or even as they grow now, you can connect with them over it, and those are where some solid core memories form. You can set that foundation for those core memories now, by leaning into passions you have, or by even by traveling too, so stay tuned for a future episode about setting the foundation of core memories with our kids. 

So I was super nervous to speak Japanese because it had been so long since I was here in Japan. But confidence isn't just uncovered. Confidence is't bought in a store, or revealed from some non playable character. Confidence is built, and I say built because it takes time and repetition and consistency to build it-- and also something else that many people don't openly admit or will tell you-- confidence is also built by failing, over and over again. By making mistakes, by making adjustments. Confidence is much like training for a race, or sticking to a diet. Or speaking Japanese a little bit every day or getting lost in a new city. Confidence is the opposite of perfection. And let me tell you, when I started speaking Japanese again, and let those mistakes happen, and kept adjusting,  kept building, and kept on trying to understand, trying to push myself, it gave me so much confidence to keep that ball rolling and rolling too. The beautiful gift of confidence is that the more you build it, work towards it, and nurture it, and USE it without perfection, the more it also gives back to you. You build that trust you have in yourself . And trust in yourself is a gift. 

So travel, makes you wealthier, builds your confidence and gives back to you in numerous ways. It offers you perspective, ideas, and ways to grow outside of your comfort-zone. I cannot tell you how many times I turned to my son this past trip, knowing I didn't know the answer to something, or what to do with my bags, or an address, or a train to take. And instead of letting that unknowing dictate my mood, point of view, or perspective, I turned to my son, over and over this trip and told him, he this is a moment where we empower ourselves. Because at the end of the day, we can look at not knowing the answer to something as a roadblock or as an opportunity to empower ourselves instead. It takes mistakes, it takes going down the wrong road, it takes using the wrong words or the wrong change, or even boarding the wrong train, but we are better because of the mistakes we are brave enough to make for ourselves. Perfection doesn't empower us, having the courage to be wrong, learn and adjust empowers us. 

So the next time you are stuck on something, you feel lost, or like you aren't meeting that perfect mark, ask yourself, is this an opportunity to empower yourself instead? 

I'm Coach Kate. Thanks for listening in today collaborating and being a part of our exploration hour with me from across the world. If you liked what you heard today, give me a follow. We'll be diving deeper into travel stories, experiences, and ideas as we build this show together this week and beyond. And in the meantime, I hope this inspires you to go out there, and build that confidence and empower yourself and your life in magical ways.

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