“Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.” -Frank Borman

Exploration was the theme of this week at Chautauqua Institution, and it’s been exciting.

National Geographic partnered with Chautauqua to provide the programming, as they’ve done several times in the past, and the speakers shared a wide variety of experiences. We’ve had a paleo-anthropologist, an underwater photographer, experts on whales and lions, and conservationists, all with stunning photos.

One of our speakers, the underwater photographer, is this year’s National Geographic’s Explorer of the Year, which is a title I would love to have. Wouldn’t you?

National Geographic Magazine has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. Their stories and photos have been a launching pad for my imagination and curiosity.

An explorer needs a healthy curiosity and the desire to learn. I feel like an explorer when I  feed my hunger to search beyond what I know, to peek under rocks to see what’s there, to climb mountains — or maybe hills — to see what’s on the other side, and to read about those who have had adventures I will never have.

James Cameron wrote, “I’m a story-teller; that’s what exploration really is about. Going to places where others haven’t been and returning to tell a story they haven’t heard before.”

Exploration is the essence of the human spirit, and I thank National Geographic for helping me open my eyes to the world around me.

What have you explored lately? Your physical landscape? Your interior landscape? So many things to find and find out, aren’t there? Put on your pith helmet and grab your magnifying glass. There’s still so much to learn.