For some, the word “explorer” conjures up moustached men wrapped in bear skin battling the elements.

For others, it might mean backpacking across Europe.

For a few, it might be hiking through a dense jungle in search of a rare frog.

Waterproof clothing, compasses, maps — all instruments of exploration.

However, when I hear the word “explorer”, none of this comes in to mind.

A student practising a foreign language

An astrophysicist searching for cosmic answers

A developer creating software that nobody before has made

A farmer planting seeds

A gymnast tumbling in the air

A buddhist monk meditating

A couple under a blanket watching their favourite movie

Where is the difference between these people? Aren’t they all explorers? Aren’t they all poking their toe in the water to see how cold it is?

Aren’t they all battling the elements of their world with their own bear-skin and leather boots? Aren’t they all using their own instruments to learn more about the world?

The student exploring the mystery of language.

The astrophysicist exploring the unknown void.

The developer exploring the limits of technology.

The farmer exploring new life and biology.

The gymnast exploring the body’s potential.

The buddhist monk exploring our relationship with the world.

The couple exploring each other’s minds.

The truth is, we are all born as explorers. When I was younger, I imagined that babies couldn’t speak straight away because they were shocked by how much stuff there is to explore like a mountaineer silently observing the sun rise over the peaks.

The world can be your imagination, your environment, your talents, your body, your sexuality.

The world is full of flavours and you have one chance to explore it.

Don’t you want to taste it?

I know I do.