The London Mindframe Part 4
Despite its capital status and the allure and privilege that comes with it, living and working in London hasn’t been easy this past year when you take into account how hard it’s been hit by both Brexit and Covid. We’re not going to dwell on that, though, as looking forward confidently and with a positive attitude is what’s really needed. So, as a nation with its fingers crossed, let’s march onwards towards those clear skies.
As part of the launch of Kirk Originals’ SS21 collection, we shot and spoke with eight men living and working in London on a number of topics; from what they’ve discovered in this great city, to how they’re really feeling inside and how to sustain a positive mind frame. Herein is Part 3, with Nicholas Walter and Eshan Thakali.
Nicholas Walter
Wearing left to right: Warwick, James
First up, what’s your age, where are you based, what’s your profession and what’s your side hustle?
I’m 36-years-old and I’m based in London. I’m the co-owner of the footwear brand Horatio and also am a freelance creative consultant.
How’s this last year been for you personally and how have you kept positive?
A year of lockdown has actually been on the whole very positive for my family, as it’s allowed me to be at home with my wife and son, and watch him grow and develop in a way that I could never have done otherwise. He was a tiny baby just learning to sit when the world shut down, and now he’s full on launching himself off of climbing frames! Of course, there have been some really tough times during the year, and we’ve definitely suffered our share of losses, but he’s been the shining light through it all.
This last year has allowed us time to really look deep within ourselves. What did you learn about yourself and what’s the key to personal progression?
Don’t panic! I definitely internalise a lot and sometimes this can be quite counterproductive. Rather than over analyse the situation, I had to dig deep to really live in the moment and just allow things to be the way they were. Collectively being in a state of paralysis has its comforts.
Then you remember that everything has a way of working itself out.
What lessons could London learn from this last year in how to cultivate and nurture a better and more inclusive society?
I was born and raised here and I’d have to say that true Londoners have always had a great sense of community that is thoroughly inclusive. Over the years, I’ve noticed through gentrification of the inner city a massive divide has occurred, and it’s really sad. I would advise anyone coming to make London their home to look outside of themselves and remember this is not a holiday resort, a perfect little neighbourhood or “village”, this is a real place with real people who already live here. So, look up, smile and engage with your community. Just because we didn’t pay £1.5 million for a tiny three bed house doesn’t mean we don’t have a lot to offer. You never know you might learn something, namely pavement etiquette.
How’s your opinion on London changed for the better, and what’s your favourite discovery?
Mile End Ecological Park has been one of my favourite places to go with my son. Not strictly a new discovery, but we’ve definitely discovered new things together like watching the nesting swans, and the frog spawn cycle. We really are very lucky to live in a city with so many green spaces.
What does modern-day confidence mean to you and how would you define it as a Londoner?
Don’t worry geezers and geezettes it’s just the internet it’s not real life!
You can follow Nicholas on Instagram, here.
Eshan Thakali
Wearing left to right: Anthony, James
First up, what’s your age, where are you based, what’s your profession and what’s your side hustle?
I am 32 and I’m based in Greenwich, London. I am a freelance photographer and you’d also find me in a hat store in Covent Garden. Alongside that, I contribute my creative input to WAO (@WeAreOutlanders), which is a platform with an emphasis in a blend of eastern and western cultures, with an ethos of exploring by experiencing. We aim to reach a diverse audience through visual story-telling and pushing boundaries in men’s style.
How’s this last year been for you personally and how have you kept positive?
2020 initially had been a rollercoaster that only kept rolling downwards. I had never experienced anything like this and definitely was at my lowest at times. The anxiety of experiencing such moments can be overwhelming. However, the sooner I realised it was a Pandemic problem and everyone was hit hard, the better I got with having a positive mindset. So you kind of have to just get yourself to eat, go for a walk, listen to music, exercise and slowly get back into the rhythm. In doing so, I managed to get back up from where I had left, with massive support from my family. This selfless support from my family members has bonded us way closer and really helped me stay positive throughout.
This last year has allowed us time to really look deep within ourselves. What did you learn about yourself and what’s the key to personal progression?
‘Those who dance are considered insane by those who can’t hear the music.’ The first line into watching the documentary ‘Mountain’ by Renan Ozturk. I’ve never been someone who relates to quotes but this line definitely took them rollercoaster wheels back up high. Having been an outdoor person to be living indoors 24/7, I began to understand the importance of self-care and mental health. This then also led me to focus on indoor living lifestyle. It’s funny how I never bothered and I’m now a vocabulary of plants, ha. All these steps have helped me progress personally.
What lessons could London learn from this last year in how to cultivate and nurture a better and more inclusive society?
I call London my home, living in a multi-ethnic society. However, us as a society living in a working Capital, where we’re constantly on the move minding our own business has really separated us from ourselves. We’ve forgotten how to slow down at times and invest into different cultures and communities to educate ourselves. I mean, all this knowledge is right at our doorstep. I believe in growing together, respecting people from every different walks of life. Living in a capital of such a diverse demographic, we should be open minded and appreciate the diversity. Easier said than done but every little step is one step closer to the goal.
How’s your opinion on London changed for the better, and what’s your favourite discovery? From a park bench with an unbeatable view to a coffee shop.
Spending time at about a mile radius from my home in the beginning of the lockdown was a blessing. Really showed I wasn’t paying much attention around my ends. I was discovering new places and routes every other day. My favourite discovery has to be this long stretch of woods where I have spent a lot of time running, bird watching, going for a walk, etc. It’s been a hidden gem and my sanctuary for peace of mind. Overall, investing my time and energy around my local area has definitely changed my view on London for the better.
What does modern-day confidence mean to you and how would you define it as a Londoner?
To me, confidence is an ongoing process. Everyday is different and London is ever changing. So continuing to reinvent yourself by adapting to nature as well as social changes keeps me flexible to overcome any challenges.
You can follow Eshan on Instagram, here.
