Learning Moments

A stroll through Amsterdam, a quiet question—and what the street had to say

Sometimes, slowing down is enough to open your senses and invite surprise—sparking something new in the everyday.

What’s your walking pace in daily life? Athletic and purposeful? Rushing from A to B because you’re always late? Trying to find your way while your fingers type another text message? Walking and talking with earbuds in? 

And while you walk, do you truly notice the world around you—or just rush through the noise to get stuff done?

What if, just once, you walked deliberately slowly?
Slowness is powerful.

As David Pearl writes in Wanderful:

“Slow right down on any street, anytime, anywhere and you’ll find experiences waiting to be turned into memories.” 

Let me show you what I mean.

Recently, I had time to spare before seeing a friend. Near Central Station in Amsterdam, I slowed my pace—deliberately—and asked the street for inspiration for a painting. In my art class, we were asked to make two pieces on the theme of “women,” each from a different angle—realism, emotion, dreams, daily life, society, anything. I didn’t know where to start. So I asked: Street, give me some ideas.

I noticed a sign quietly counting passing bikes—oddly poetic. Then, a wall painting: two women drawn as stick figures. I spotted some graffiti: You are the master of your own reality. And high above, a board simply read: This is…” I sat down for a pause and watched. A woman in an evening dress pushed a buggy. A sweaty tourist juggled a suitcase and backpack. A businesswoman on a bike, texting. Two girls are laughing. A Muslim woman, headscarf on, business bag under her arm.

Different ages, languages, styles, skin tones, and probably different mindsets, backgrounds, and professions, too. A small parade of stories. 

The street had spoken—not just about “women,” but about diversity in all its forms: appearance, background, experience. That brief encounter sparked something. It offered a direction, a first thread to pull—just enough to start creating.

This felt like a glimpse of Street Wisdom—the art of uncovering everyday insights simply by paying close attention as you move through the world.

The idea is simple. We start noticing what we usually overlook when we slow down and tune in with curiosity. The world opens up—and the streets reveal their hidden insights.

I love slowing down. It feels quietly rebellious in a world that rushes past everything. I admit I am getting a bit addicted to it. 

It’s so simple. No app, no subscription—just slowness, freely available right outside your door. You just have to decide to slow down and step away from to-do lists and notifications. Remember, insight often comes not from pushing harder, but from paying attention to what’s already there.

Your turn to wander

This week, take one slow, deliberate walk. Leave your phone behind. Forget your errands. Let your eyes wander, ask a question, and watch what the street reveals. Try it once. See what shifts.

If this speaks to you, consider joining others. Slowing down is easier—and more fun—with company. You can find guided Street Wisdom walks near you on the Street Wisdom website, or join me for a mindful exploration of Amsterdam or Alkmaar [direct link].

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The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

• Take a summer evening stroll: Street Wisdom in Alkmaar on Wednesday,
  August 20th at 18:30. 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.
• 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.