curiosity
JOMO – The Joy Of Missing Out!
I’m sure you have heard of ‘FOMO’ or the ‘fear of missing out.’ Well, let me introduce you to its counterpart: JOMO, or the joy of missing out! No, it’s not something I invented. Both these trendy acronyms were added to the Oxford Dictionary several years ago.
According to the Oxford Lexico Dictionary, FOMO is the “anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on social media.”
We all experience some level of FOMO in our modern lives, due to our constant exposure to online news, streaming services, and social media platforms. Most people are constantly glued to their phones and tablets these days. We feel compelled to have it all at our fingertips, lest we miss something exciting.
But this really does not bring us much joy in the long run. Instead, it is addictive, exhausting, and can lead to increased anxiety, poor self-esteem and even depression. We are missing out on moments that we never can get back.
JOMO however flips FOMO on its head! The Oxford Lexico Dictionary describes it as “pleasure derived from living in a quiet or independent way without feeling anxious that one is missing out on exciting or interesting events that may be happening elsewhere.” JOMO is all about taking time out from all the digital distractions, busyness, and noise around us.
Spontaneous JOMO happens when our cell phone signal is caught in a dead zone with no service, or the internet or cable goes down, and we decide to go for a walk to look at the stars. At first, we might feel awkwardly uncomfortable or even panicked, but then we start to focus on what and who is in front of us, or the environment around us. And suddenly, there is a new sense of peace. Our senses become more heightened. The world is a much calmer, more beautiful place.
Open-Minded Curiosity Is The Key To A Happy, Healthy Life
A client asked the other day how I keep my immunity up during these challenging times, and if there is anything special one can do to stay mentally healthy. My answer was simple. You simply need to keep an open mind, and have passion for life.
Working with spirit has taught me over the years to live my life wholeheartedly, with daily gratitude, and with an open mind and a healthy curiosity. I am always eager to learn and experience new things. We are not meant to be constantly stuck in a rut, nor spend our lives in mediocre stagnation.
Just the other day, a friend told me that she thought I am the most imaginative and adventurous person she has ever met. I am always so optimistic and upbeat, she said, and she gets energy from me just by spending time with me.
She has also witnessed how positive things happen in my life through my spiritual practices. For example, I use certain crystals, visualizations and affirmations to bring about real change in my life – not only for myself, but also for others.
The more we are open-minded to explore new horizons, and learn new things, the more we allow positive, creative new energies to enter our reality, empowering us to achieve things that we otherwise wouldn’t – especially when we just sit around doing nothing.
Living In Parallel Worlds
Have you ever given thought to the possibility that you may be existing in two entirely different worlds, all at the same time? The reason I am bringing this up is, I am now thoroughly convinced this has been happening to me for quite some time. I just did not recognize what was going on during these strange events.
A few weeks ago I woke up in the middle of the night to find a male figure in our bedroom. He simply stood there and stared at me. Well, all I could see fit to do was to stare back! Neither of us made a sound. The next thing I knew there was now a female standing there beside him.
I finally said hello, without actually expecting an answer. After a few more minutes of silence, they simply vanished. It did of course seem an odd situation, but because a plethora of strange things occur in our home on a regular basis, I gave it no more thought and went back to sleep.
The Season To Restore Harmony And Balance
The Wheel of the Year is turning again after last month’s Autumn Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. One can now feel a shift in the air. In both of these seasons I usually feel this change in my body, along with emotions of hope and excitement.
One of my favorite movies to watch again as Autumn approaches is, You’ve Got Mail. Yes, I’m a romantic. To quote the film, “Don’t you love New York in the Fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms.”
In Astrology, most of the planets are now direct again, or moving forward, with the exception of Uranus and Neptune, and we are clear of Mercury Retrograde until mid-November. And Mars is getting back up to speed;, helping with the forward movement.
A Sense Of Curiosity – A Message From My Guides
It is customary these days to get information instantly by using various methods of modern technology. Knowledge of all kinds is at your fingertips whenever you need it. Although some research is mandated for school or work projects, while other inquiries are conducted to satisfy a general need to know, we challenge you to look at your world from a different viewpoint and conduct a different kind of search.
Allow time to stand still every now and then. Extend your curiosity internally. Take some time to reflect on your past decisions, current situations and potential future.
The past can be a delightful place to visit in order to reminisce about wonderful experiences, evaluate decisions or learn from events, however, we do not suggest that you ‘live’ there permanently. When you consider some of the questionable choices you might have made, be kind to yourself as you ponder what was decided and why. Remember that your younger self will not have had the benefit of the great experience, wisdom and insight from which you can learn now.