“He who lives only wise lives a sad life.” Voltaire
I am attempting to add more spontaneity to my life. (Yes, ironic, but positive psychologists suggest that this attribute actually can be nurtured.) I want to be the kind of person that makes each day matter. Yet as I do, I am coming up with some resistance from as my inclined to planning and cautious self. While good in many circumstances, the above traits have not always served me well in the fun department. This article explores how to enjoy spontaneity responsibly. Short answer- Trust yourself more and live in the now.
There is an amazing pleasure that comes from experiences that never had pre set expectations. But how does one find the balance between spontaneity and impulsivity? The latter of which can have various disadvantages and is defined as . . . a sudden urge or feeling not governed by reason.
According to Leon F. Seltzer Ph. D., and Author of Evolution of the Self, both are actions without conscious thought but impulsivity implies thoughtless behavior driven by internal lack of control. Spontaneity is about being flexible and trusting yourself or the confidence to do something app Want to add a caption to this image? Click the Settings icon. ropriately without having to study it out first. The good news. Maybe if you think and plan for your dreams no matter how far fetched they seem when the time comes to jump on the opportunity you can without having to think any more and enjoy the happiness of spontaneity.
Going back to late Latin, the word spontaneous means "of one's own accord" (American Heritage Dictionary); and this earliest definition implies that our acting spontaneously is in accordance with our beliefs and values. Self-generated, it's an expression of something deep inside us. (Hello Dream Board) And although contrary to impulsiveness, spontaneity assumes a certain measure of constraint, it yet permits us to do immediately anything consonant with our better judgment.
I like that. Somehow it is freeing to know I can be lighthearted, live in the moment and still be true to my inner self. Leon F. Seltzer continues to teach in his article The Wisdom of Spontaneity that in order to truly harness the joy of spontaneity one has to allow themselves to be vulnerable, to let go of what others think, or the fear of making a mistake. The very capacity for spontaneity hinges mostly on how much individuals are able to trust themselves.
This seems to be exactly contrary to the “should” guilt that creeps up in most of us. In fact, taking the time to write this article is somewhat spontaneous. I could be doing other responsible things but I am putting them safely aside for the joy of creation that I feel at completing a thought onto paper. Creativity and spontaneity are very closely related.
Summary: Trust yourself and good things can come.
Even Jane Austen, an author of all things prim and proper, is is quoted as saying ““Why not seize the pleasure at once?—How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!” Please share what you done spontaneously in your life?
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