On a recent trip to Glasgow, Scotland (a week filled with enchanting music, theater, art, architecture, lots of walking, delicious food, and fascinating people), I was captivated by this banner at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Life is not a rehearsal.

For students who are learning and perfecting their instruments and mastering the art of playing in ensembles, this may seem a puzzling motto. They rehearse long hours. And I think that is precisely the point. Yes, we are rehearsing for an upcoming concert and we are playing our instruments now. Our bodies are in this room experiencing sound, touch, and all of our senses. It is only by being fully present in each moment that we are fully alive and open to learning.

When I travel, my senses are most awakened. I am curious and excited by new experiences. I readily talk to people I do not know and follow paths I have not ventured upon before. My challenge is to keep practicing this sense of curiosity when I return home.

Being open to change is one way I do that. You may have noticed my new newsletter format which matches my new website, www.lifeandleadershipcoaching.com I hope you will take a look at the website and then let me know what you think of it! Please feel free to share the link with your friends and colleagues!

And do tell me how you practice staying curious.

Recommendations

I am grateful to Nicole LaCour for designing my new website and logo. If you are looking for someone to help you with your marketing materials, contact Nicole at nicolelacour@icloud.com. She also took many of the photos on my website. Thank you also to Robin May who took my new head shots! Please contact Robin at RobinM@theind.com when you need a photo shoot. I heartily recommend Nicole and Robin.