Curiosity killed the cat is a saying that I have heard throughout my child and young adult life. While it may be true in some situations, the age old saying takes away from what I believe to be one of humanities’ main functions, and that is to explore the unexplored.
The Grunewald Guild is an art retreat center, located in the Cascade Mountains, that focuses on exploring the connection between art, faith, and community and how these pillars interact during the weeklong courses. I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit most of these course sessions and photograph them. When I have done this type of work in the past, I always had the feeling that I was a fly on the wall, trying to blend into the background as to not disturb the class. However, the classes here immediately incorporate me into their community. Sometimes the instructor will start explaining the work that the students are doing or even offer me some of their snacks, so they were not tempted to eat them later! Overall, they were curious to learn about my work and my history.
My time living in an intentional working community has presented many mysteries to explore. I learned only a portion of what it takes to live in a community that cares for itself and exists on deeper level than purely social interactions. One lesson I learned is that communication is key to live in harmony with one another and nature. For example, a staff member alerted the rest of the staff of a small black bear living near one of the trails that connects portions of the Guild’s campus. Naturally I wanted to stay away from the bear but a part of me wanted to catch a glimpse of the animal. In this case curiosity might have put me in harm’s way which is why I am choosing to write about that curiosity instead of chasing after the bear.
To extrapolate the point further, my time at the Guild has pushed me to lean into the curious nature of the human spirit. To chase the mysteries that life holds. Within my conversations between staff and guests, I have learned that it is easy to fall into the trap of a content and comfy life, but that lack of curiosity in life leads to a lack of creativity, key component of unique problem solving.
Having a strong sense of curiosity has allowed the students of the Guild to strengthen their sense of community with not only other students but staff as well. There are so many lessons to be learned that would not be shown the light of day if it were not for a curious person asking a question.
With all this being said, I urge the readers of this blog to keep chasing the mystery in life. Why did you choose to wear those colors today? What are you chasing after? Please don’t limit yourself to life as you know it because who knows what the world offers for you to explore.
-Corey McClure, Grunewald Guild