in defense of dabbling:
the brilliance of being a total amateur
In today's grind culture, hobbies become side hustles. Work creeps into leisure time. Perfectionism reigns. We look up to experts, and we look down on amateurs. And when someone asks us what we like to do, we realize we have absolutely no idea.
But amateur just means "one who loves." So what if being a total amateur is actually a good thing? What if we've been so focused on achieving that we have forgotten how to be interesting?
From Karen Walrond, author of The Lightmaker's Manifesto and the award-winning Radiant Rebellion, comes a delightful jaunt into how to be a total amateur — by doing the things you love even if you're not any good at them.
In her new book, Karen Walrond strikes out to discover the things she loves that demand no excellence — just desire. As she cultivates practices and rituals, without any expectation of success or accolades, she shows us how to do the same. And she helps us learn Seven Attributes of Intentional Amateurism: curiosity, mindfulness, self-compassion, play, zone-stretching, connection, and awe.
Follow Walrond as she dabbles in throwing pottery, swimming laps, playing piano, learning to surf, and photographing the Milky Way (spoiler: it doesn't all go well). Listen in on her conversations with other amateurs — and experts too — about how intentional amateurism enhances mental and social health. And to get you started on your own intentional amateurism practice, she also serves up a list of more than two hundred ideas for things to dabble in — ways to discover your own path to being a total amateur.
Walrond reminds us that it's in the living that we create a life, so failure isn't a concern; in fact, it's kind of the point. If we get better at a hobby or a craft, that's simply a byproduct, never the goal. Transcendence awaits: What joy might we find if we simply started doing the things we love?
“Walrond builds an argument for indulging our interests free of expectation or commitment ... The book is a ringing endorsement for just being okay at stuff.”
Curious about what hobby will bring you the most joy?
“A life-expanding ode to the joy of being an amateur in a world that’s bent on mastery, In Defense of Dabbling reminds us to say yes to moments, activities, and pursuits for no other reason than the feelings they give us.”
Here’s the truth: a hobby can be more than just a hobby — in fact, it can be a tool of self-compassion and self-transcendence. Practicing any activity that you love on a regular basis, intentional amateurism is a powerful vehicle for creating and curating a life of contentment, passion, connection, and even awe. In Defense of Dabbling is a guide for anyone to unlock a joyful life, in the most natural, organic way.
Grab your copy today.
the in defense of dabbling book tour!
Come celebrate with me!
Click on the images below for event details.
