Learning Moments

Unhurried time for thoughts to flow and form

Meander — I love that word. It sounds like music in my ears. Softish, roundish, dreamy. Beautiful. 

A word that belongs to rivers. 
A word that flows like rivers.

Like a small mountain stream. 

I remember seeing the Reuss at its source, starting high in the Alps — fresh, clear, and full of energy. It winds its way through the valleys, taking its time to flow into the Rhine, continuing its journey to the North Sea. 

I also think of the map of the Mississippi Delta (I’ve written about it before), where all the paths the river has taken over the years are layered like a collage. A reminder: rivers rarely flow straight — unless humans interfere. 

Go slow and sometimes fast.
Take space and sometimes squeeze through narrow passages.
Always let it flow.

Leaving space to meander isn’t just for rivers — it’s true for humans too. 

Caminante, son tus huellas el camino, y nada más; caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar. 
Antonio Machado

Sometimes, we need to let thoughts wander where they want to go. Like walking a “pathless path”, as poet David Whyte calls it. Because the ideas are new. Not fully formed. Still bubbling beneath the surface. We struggle to find the words. But once we speak them aloud, something that was hidden begins to surface — like a river rising into view.

My friend Valeska is taking the summer “off” to think. To make space for what’s stirring inside, ready to grow. Space to breathe. Space to meander. She’s letting the river find its course.

I take time to let my thoughts wander. My friend Alberto told me, “Move even slower. Each piano key is music. Listen before you touch the next one.” I’ve been learning to do that. 

Meandering is not about drifting aimlessly — it’s about trusting the journey. It’s how rivers shape landscapes, and how ideas, insights, and change take form. We don’t always need to push forward in a straight line. Sometimes, the most meaningful paths reveal themselves when we allow space, time, and flow.

Meandering is joy.

Sometimes our best insights come when we slow down.
When was the last time you gave your thoughts space to wander? And wonder?
What surfaced in the stillness?

---

The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

• Explore the world without leaving Amsterdam! Join us for World Wide Wonder — an immersive global adventure in Vondelpark on Friday, June 27. It’s completely free — just reserve your spot!
• Tap into Street Wisdom in Alkmaar: Take a summer evening stroll with us on Wednesday, July 9 at 19:30. It’s a free event designed to shift your perspective — sign up now to join!
• Join the next Unhurried Conversation—a space to slow down, listen, and connect. We meet every 2nd Monday of the month. It’s free, and you’re warmly welcome. Sign up here.
• More river-inspired stories: Rivers have long carried stories of movement and change, reminding us that progress doesn’t always mean speed — sometimes, it’s about depth, direction, and flow. Unhurried meetings and workshops in hurried times – or how do we spend the precious time together and Becoming the CEO of My Own Exploration
• For more Learning Moments, subscribe to my newsletter and get timely updates straight to your inbox.

Reach out,  I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively,
Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.