Berlin in all its creative glory is quite possibly the coolest pocket in the world. I’ve had a perma grin since I landed. The city of Bikes, Brews, and Boys. A Mecca of everything hip and edgy.
So hip in its creative expression and natural beauty. Super comfortable in its own skin, with nothing to prove.
This city has no shame. Anything goes, and here there is more attention on creative expression and individual exploration than possessions or even success. A delicate balance of glamour meets grit, the city has a pulse of its own. Berlin needs nothing from anyone and pulses with energetic focus. One of the safest places in Europe, yet one of the most expressive. Which makes me wonder: Is creative expression core to our human desire for living? Do we need to express ourselves creatively in order to feel safe and secure in the world? When we hide our passions, when we shy away from our truth, the creative nudges within us die, too. Expressing yourself is important, and Berlin gives you an open invitation to do so.
When it comes to creativity, according to Lonely Planet, the sky’s not even the limit in Berlin, Europe’s hottest new start-up capital. In the last 20 years, the city has become a giant hub of cultural and creative experimentation, thanks to an abundance of space, cheap rent, and a free-wheeling spirit that nurtures and encourages new ideas. High-brow, low-brow and everything in between – there’s plenty of room for the full arc of cultural expression. Cafes are jammed at all hours, drinking is a religious rite, and clubs keep going until the wee hours or beyond. Size wise, Berlin is pretty big, but its key areas are wonderfully compact and easily navigated on foot, by bike, or by using public transport.
Berlin, for me, is about fearlessness, looking straight at the things that scare us the most and diving into them. The insecurities I use to hide behind are slowly disengaging with my life. My old fears no longer have a strong hold, and I feel more balanced and free. Thanks to Berlin’s subtle spoken luggage encouraging us all to be more of who you really are.
A fearless life is not always about jumping off cliffs, climbing mountains, or chasing the next big rush. It means raising your standards and declaring you matter, risking yourself by going after your dreams even in the face of fear and lack of support. It is showing up for yourself, because the unknown is where the growth happens. It means saying yes in pursuit of exploring new possibilities, especially when you just want to stay comfortable and say no. It means
what you need to say, being who you really are instead of who you think you should be, and loving like you’ve never been hurt before. Living a fearless life is living an authentic life. It is to say, “Hello, life, I am here to live you as fully as possible, I will jump in, full-heartedly, and completely.” Your life is waiting…don’t hide out in the shadows of your potential.
Aside from committing to living a more fearless life, there are empowering life lessons that living in Berlin has taught me:
1. Creative expression is essential to your well-being.
Our well-being is dependent on our ability to express ourselves creatively. In Berlin, the emphasis is on artistic expression. Being free to be creative is key to the well-being of the city, but in life, expressing yourself helps you feel more balanced. When we are free to be creative, we feel more focused and alive.
2. The contrast brings clarity.
We have contrasts in our life on so many levels. In Berlin, there are contrasts in the perceptions, the history, and the architecture. Beautiful buildings covered in street art and graffiti.
The contrasts in our own life, people with extreme views who are opposite of you, do not always make one right over the other. There are no wrong beliefs. It is important to find what works for you. As you align with your own beliefs, you become so clear, and the contrast can help you feel more centered into your true self.
3. We must learn from our past.
We all have a history and we all have things we have gone through that maybe we don’t appreciate. World War II is a huge part of history, and Germany’s past is rooted in their participation in that war. Are you shying away from your past? Instead of running from your past, shine a light on it and learn from it.
Watch the video here:
I was twice there and it is better each time I go.
But, during the winter can be cold as hell.:)
Anyway Shannon, thank you for your kind words and spirit!
Cheers,
Matko