My Own Utopian Experiment #36: Share my new hobby, another way of having deep connection with myself and the world around me
I share my hobbies time to time. Many of you already know some of mine like reading books, writing blogs, drawing, different kind of journaling, trying new recipes, savoring all kinds of arts especially old architecture. etc. I am recently interested in antique. It is not surprising since I love old things. I have gone to museums, galleries and special popup exhibits. Why didn’t I think of antique shops before? I guess you see as much as you know. I did not know much about antiques. You can’t long for love something that you do not even know. Antique shops are kind of immersive and interactive museums that you can see things without glass windows and even touch. You and old things breath and live together during your visit. You are surrounded by very old things. Time travel in a way. How cool is that?
I am not that knowledgeable around this topic so a mentor would make this hobby to another level and also friendship with a kindred heart. I have not found a mentor yet but I would love to when I have a chance. While that’s a possibility, I venture out to local antique shops on my own to learn in actions. The exposers are giving me lessons like field trip. Study of Old Things.
Little knowledge does not stop me from enjoying the antique. I had to search the difference between antique and vintage. That is how much I knew. I just like old (very old) things. In a short description, antique is more than 100 years old and vintage is younger than 100 years old. I noticed many shops often have mix of antique and vintage. For some, I can tell right away. Some are not obvious. That’s where your knowledge would help.
Finding treasures at antique shops needs patience and willingness to devote time for it. You do not always find something you like. It is hit or miss. For me, the process matters more. I am learning. While I am learning, I am also cultivating my tastes. I started love very small things, whimsical little stuff. I never knew I like them. I am finding a piece of myself as well. I daydream having a little shelf with them in my room. I will see how this goes. I feel the excitement to be an archeologist at antique shop where I can dig up histories and treasures. Just like archeologists, I need to build up site maps. All shops are not equal. Some are more like vintage or even thrift shops. I found a couple favorite ones so far. Old things always amazed me with its history, styles and how long it endured to show up to me now. I once held 120 years old silverware from France in my hands. I had chills. It was in such a perfect condition. I was wondering the owner put it away for special occasions and did not really use it. This kind of thoughts are bittersweet. It is another reminder to use beautiful things rather than saving for special occasions. Our everyday is special! One beautiful thing makes a big difference. Why not get the best out of it by making my ordinary day sacred?
Old generations made things with beauty and care. I love to look at them and learn the history and styles. I am cultivating my tastes around this new hobby and feed my soul’s craving in the process. When a hobby makes you turn inward, connect with yourself in very personal and deeper level, it can be more important than or at least equally important as building a career, more realistic tasks. It is another way of giving what your soul is craving, pure joy. Rumi said “The soul is here for its own joy.” Very true! What’s your hobby? I would love to hear what you enjoy. Sending good thoughts and love as always.