Embarking on Eudaimonia; with Jamal Robinson, who writes Found Notes

An interview series on the big things in life by Ta Hiron.

We are joined today by Jamal Robinson, a minimalist poet/artist and the creator of Found Notes. He mines the inspiring words of others to uncover found poetry and shares his gold with you each Monday along with some of his own words, ‘to help you think deeply, move bravely and create freely’.  

A direct link to subscribe to Jamal is at the end of this article.

If you could distil your life philosophy, what would it be, and why is it meaningful to you?

For much of my life fear, doubt and insecurity colored how I saw myself. Rather than asking for help or embracing vulnerability, I worked hard to conceal the parts of me I saw as less than. Eventually, and painfully, I learned that this way of being erodes the soul and leaves little room for love. Although I have forgotten many of life’s lessons, this is one I’ve made sure to tattoo upon my being: Love bravely, move courageously and live freely.

Can you share a transformative experience that challenged your perceptions or beliefs about who you are and what you are capable of?

As an adult, I have limited myself to titles that aligned with my job, position or experiences (i.e. coach, teacher, dad, etc.). So two years ago, as a part of my journey being and becoming, I decided to take on a title I had never considered for myself – artist. That year I created 30 paintings. During the process, I fell in love with art. I learned how to let paint dry. How to create without expectations. And how to see myself beyond my perceived limitations. The version of self many now experience via my newsletter is a direct result of that time and how it began my journey of nurturing the artist within.

Can you share what sparked your passion for sharing others’ quotes and made you realise it was something you needed to pursue on Substack?

Two months after starting my newsletter I discovered blackout poetry via Austin Kleon’s blog. Intrigued, I was eager to try my hand at it. During that time I was also knee deep in the words of other brilliant writers on Substack. So, instead of newspapers, I decided to dive into the beautiful words of others. 

After a couple of days of making blackout pieces, I realized that the words of my fellow writers deserved to be showcased rather than marked through. So I shifted to an alternate version of found poetry that acknowledged the brilliance of the original writer’s work while also allowing me to enjoy the craft I’d come to love. Within a week I announced to the 60 people on my list that I was changing the name of my newsletter to Found Notes. I haven’t looked back since.

What role do you believe self-discovery plays in leading a fulfilling life, and if you do, how do you actively engage in that process?

I believe self-discovery is the key to leading a fulfilling life. The more we see, understand and love ourselves, the more we are able to do the same for others. Each of these is at the heart of what I find fulfilling – whether it’s writing, playing or enjoying the company of loved ones.

Looking back on your life experiences, what are the two most important lessons or pieces of advice you've learned in navigating life's complexities?

1. Your perception of a situation, while valid, may not always be accurate. Be willing to pause and question yourself.

2. We do harm to ourselves when we pretend to be impervious to life’s challenges. Rather than trying to maintain a faulty facade of strength, we should seek help. Instead of confidence, we should pursue courage.

Do you see yourself as more of an artist than a writer? Can you tell us more about your expression?

I believe anyone that creates art is an artist - be it with a brush, pencil or keyboard. So I don’t see myself as more artist than writer or vice versa. Rather, I am both, simultaneously and perpetually.

Please include here any other social media sites we can find you on:

Website: www.jamalx.com

Notes: https://substack.com/@jamalrobinson

What 3 books have been the most impactful for you to read?

1. All About Love by bell hooks

2. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

3. The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon

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Jamal, thank you for reminding us that we are all writers and artists. It is inspiring to hear what can come of stepping back and allowing ourselves to create without expectation, being open to a time where we can let our perceived limitations fall away and what beauty may come through from that, as this work has arrived for you. Thank you for sharing your journey to Found Notes; I too, follow Austin Kleon’s work and books and have found, much like your work, the addition of art, gives the words an inviting dance I am drawn to partake in. Your pulled quotes are powerful in their display, in a way that elevates them.

This interview is full of wisdom and depth; I too love the reminder to ‘Love bravely, move courageously, and live freely.’

All photos/art have been supplied by Jamal.

If you would like to follow along with each fortnight’s interview, you can subscribe here:

I believe self-discovery is the key to leading a fulfilling life. The more we see, understand and love ourselves, the more we are able to do the same for others.

Jamal Robinson

P.S. Embarking on Eudaimonia signifies a journey towards living a life of fulfilment, purpose, and flourishing.

"Eudaimonia" is a Greek term often translated as "happiness" or "flourishing." In philosophy, particularly in Aristotle's ethics, eudaimonia refers to the state of living well, achieving one's full potential, and experiencing a sense of fulfilment and thriving in life.