Being with someone who simply is, rather than thinking who he or she should be, is so refreshing. This may sound somewhat exaggerated, but I believe each of us has the talent to live. Increasingly, I encounter people who are constantly “managing” their life. There are even entire courses, usually facilitated by women in the third trimester of their life, teaching people to feel, experience, be. I certainly understand how valuable it may be to get some help in this department, but it is often taken too far. A shame, because it becomes very artificial. Expressions such as ‘believe in your own power’ really make me puke.
It reminds me of overanalysing a book during Dutch language classes. When you try to explain all the possible motives in a book and comb through each and every metaphor, the unspoilt literary landscape loses its magic. I believe that if you conceptualise your feelings and thoughts to such an extent, you move against the unspoilt natural flow of existence. By treating what you feel and experience so mechanically, you ignore the organic element. While it is precisely that organic flow that makes life simpler, it requires no thought.
I believe that if you conceptualise your feelings and thoughts to such an extent, you move against the unspoilt natural flow of existence
This organic element is clearly visible in talented individuals. I am happy to spend time watching talented people, regardless of the precise nature of their talent. People like Roger Federer, Herman Brood, Whitney Houston, Marco Pierre White, Childish Gambino, Billie Holiday. All people who appear to have been born with all the answers. This would also explain why the most popular YouTube channels are those managed by people who excel at something. Channels by music prodigy Jacob Collier, Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen or world-class gamers. Apparently, we have a natural urge to appreciate the easy-flowing talents above the learned mechanical achievements. Seek this natural urge and allow it to carry you on the
Oscar Delissen is a third-year bachelor’s student in Food Technology. He enjoys cooking with sharp knives and colourful festival shirts.