Tag Archives: nature

We can find Awe, then in eight wonders of life

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“We can find Awe, then in eight wonders of life: moral beauty, collective effervescence, nature, music, visual design, spirituality and religion, life and death, and epiphany.”

—Dacher Keltner, American professor of psychology at UC, Berkeley

Image from Unsplash by Christopher Ruel

Keltner’s research suggest that the eight categories mentioned in today’s quote represent the most common sources of awe in people’s lives.

He emphasizes that while we often think of awe as arising from grand, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it can actually be found in everyday moments and surroundings.

By being more aware and mindful of these “wonders” in our daily lives, we can potentially increase our experiences of awe and its associated benefits for well-being and connection.

EXERCISE:

In what ways have you experienced some of the everyday moments of awe through Keltner’s eight wonders of life?  If this topic piques your interest, consider reading or listening to his 2023 book Awe.

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”

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“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”

—Audrey Hepburn, 20th Century British Actress

Image from Unsplash by Susan G. Kamen 3-day

In the wake of October’s hurricanes, many people have lost everything — including loved ones.

When some of these individuals are interviewed about the devastation many still remain positive and grateful
to be alive and get right to work helping their neighbors and others in their communities.

Although these forces of nature can sweep away and destroy many things, it’s heartwarming to realize that the best things in life are not things.

EXERCISE:

How do you demonstrate to your loved ones that they are the most precious gifts in your life?

Friday Review: Nature

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Friday Review: Nature

How often do you enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Go outside. There is bliss in the silent expanse of nature.”

 

 

“See what happens when you tune your pace to the trickle of a stream, or the waft of a lazy breeze.”

 

 

 

“Without jumping off its perch, the bird would never fly.”

 

 

 

 

“Without jumping off its perch, the bird would never fly.”

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“Without jumping off its perch, the bird would never fly.”

—Mark Nepo, author of The Book of Awakening

Image from Unsplash by AARN GIRI

I love to watch documentaries and educational programing about animals and our natural world. The best programs include outstanding visuals and a compelling story about how these creatures go about securing food, avoiding predators, finding a mate, and adapting to their environments.

Among all the animals, there is something magical about young birds. They go from helpless, blind, squawking mouths to feed to soaring sparrows and eagles that can inspire even the most sedentary couch potato of us to get up and spread our wings — even if it is just to secure another snack.

EXERCISE:

Where is it necessary for you or others in your communities to jump off your perch and spread your wings? What will you do, and where will you go when you fly?

take a bath in an imaginary rainbow

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“Take a bath in an imaginary rainbow. Let its colors and light rejuvenate you.”

—Barbara Ann Kipfer, Self-Meditation

Image of Horseshoe Falls at Niagara

Image of Horseshoe Falls from Flickr by ihrivera

As part of my Personal Excellence core value exercise, I often ask my clients what inspires them. On many occasions, the answers nature and beauty, or natural beauty rises to the top of the list.

With this in mind, I often remember trips my wife Wendy and I have take to Niagara Falls. On sunny days we have seen rainbows, even double rainbows, as the sunbeams shine through the spray of the pounding waterfalls.

This colorful and magical splendor always captivates and energizes us, to the point of losing track of time.

EXERCISE:

How would the practice of bathing in your own imaginary rainbows add more vibrant color to your world and energize your spirit on a daily basis?

tune your pace to the trickle of a stream

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“See what happens when you tune your pace to the trickle of a stream, or the waft of a lazy breeze.”

—Author Unknown

Image of a stream

Image from Flickr by CP369

Consider how often you experience:

  • Calmness
  • Serenity
  • Peace of Mind
  • Tranquility
  • Inner Harmony
  • Relaxation

What benefit might you gain in shifting from the frenetic pace of life many of us experience to a slower, more natural pace?

EXERCISE:

How can and will you apply the slow and quiet aspects of Mother Nature to achieve greater Peace of Mind and Calmness in your life?

Go Outside

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“Go outside. There is bliss in the silent expanse of nature.”

—Brendon Burchard, American Motivational Author

Image from Flickr by Moyal Brenn

Image from Flickr by Moyal Brenn

I write this post on a Saturday morning in early November in Michigan. Saturday is a quiet time, a time for me to slow down, reflect, and fully appreciate my life and the world around me.

In just under an hour, I have had the good fortune to see an amazing sunrise, a brilliant blue sky, and the bright yellow, orange, and red leaves still on the trees in my neighborhood. Albert Camus once said “Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower.”

EXERCISE:

How and in what ways can you more fully experience the silent beauty and bliss of nature, today, and throughout the year?