I believe one of the best ways to practice mindfulness is to connect with nature (which is evident on my Instagram, haha…) Even if it’s winter where you are and you can’t immerse yourself in nature as easily, you can still connect with the Earth’s beauty, particularly through these quotes…
“People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering.” – Saint Augustine
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. …There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” – Rachel Carson
“The earth has its music for those who will listen.” – George Santayana
“When you do something noble and beautiful and nobody noticed, do not be sad. For the sun every morning is a beautiful spectacle and yet most of the audience still sleeps.” – John Lennon
As summarized from Goodreads, “Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.”
This self-help book is one of the most empowering, inspiring reads I’ve ever had the privilege to read.
This isn’t a review, but a recommendation.
This glory of this book simply must be experienced firsthand – I encourage you to avoid spoilers and reviews at all costs. I ask that you immerse yourself in this book as Elizabeth Gilbert, its author intended it… by reading it.
This book is truly magical. (The cover is gorgeous, and) the treasure trove of advice and anecdotes hidden inside is simply fabulous. And while I didn’t always agree with the perspective given within the book, it nonetheless provoked thought and proved to be insightful – and was presented in a welcoming, open way. Regardless – this book is a gem. I’ll leave some of the quotes below. I recommend you read them.
“One of the oldest and most generous tricks that the universe plays on human beings is to bury strange jewels within us all, and then stand back to see if we can ever find them.”
“Be brave. Without bravery, you will never know the world as richly as it longs to be known. Without bravery, your life will remain small – far smaller than you probably wanted your life to be.”
“Fear is always triggered by creativity, because creativity asks you to enter into the realms of uncertain outcome, and fear hates uncertain outcome. This is nothing to be ashamed of. It is, however, something to be dealt with.
And you MUST read about her view of creativity being analogous to cats, and her tactic of thinking about fear as a backseat driver.
Please, go forth and bless your life with this book. 😉 (Not sponsored.)
I must say, it’s been quite an interesting past month, where oftentimes, my reserves of strength had to be tapped into. I’d like to share with you some of the tactics I used to get through it, which includes the quotes I’m sharing today! I hope they help ~ this too shall pass.
Adversity is the diamond dust Heaven polishes its jewels with.
– Thomas Carlyle (My personal favorite. 🙂 )
Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.
– John Lennon
I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy [people] are the prettiest [people.] I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.
– Audrey Hepburn
With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.
– Arnold Schwarzenegger
If you do not like where you are, move. You are not a tree. 😉
– Anonymous
P L E A S E – Remember, no matter how minuscule your struggle may seem or is made to seem, it is valid and justified. Just because others may have experienced (your opinion of) something “worse,” it does not have the power to and will never have the power to invalidate or undermine your own struggles or feelings. Be proactive. There is no need, justification, or reason for the prolongation suffering.
Take care of yourselves! ❤ Make it a fabulous week!
Smarts and Sparkles 