My Adult children awaken the awe in me. They are 32 and almost 34. I am just in awe of how they have grown and become wonderful souls. It really warms my heart tremendously.
I’ve come to realize
that there is nothing that is ordinary in this world.
There is a quote whose essence has stayed with me
that goes something like this . . .
“If we really paid attention to the world around us,
we would be going around
every day,
with our eyes wide open,
and our jaws dropped in awe and wonder.”
It’s true . . .
we live in a world of artistry.
Each sentient being
was created with special intention,
well thought out,
and given gifts specific to its survival.
To over simplify,
birds are given beaks to peck with,
wings to fly,
and feet especially crafted
to walk where they need to walk.
Fish are given scales and fins
to make their journey through the waves
most efficient . . .
and on and on it goes.
Everything has purpose . . .
rocks and stones
are not without souls,
and neither are trees,
or bushes,
or flowers.
The natural world is not a place of chaos,
and a person cannot believe that it is
if he or she becomes present to it.
There is a Divine order to it all.
Our fingernails
are not leftovers or given by chance,
but they protect our fingers,
and give us something to cling with.
Our hair,
our eyes,
our organs,
our joints and teeth . . .
OMG
It’s all simply magical . . .
too magical really,
to possibly imagine the diversity within which we exist,
and of how we are all inter-connected
if we just pay attention.
Indeed,
no man is an island.
We are not alone.
Like I’ve said before, I’m easily amused. So, lots of things can awaken awe within me. But, there are times, when I am a bit blind to them and I’m only seeing the problems and issues and destructive forces. It’s at these times, that this practice really helps. Here are a few things off the top of my head. Thank you for this question this morning.
Looking at the glass domes of my cats eyes.
Looking closely at the first buds of spring.
Watching birds flying, like it’s the easiest thing.
Any sunrise or sunset.
The stars on a dark and moonless night.
The power of ocean waves crashing into shoreline.
Many good things already mentioned by others. Sunrises and sunsets, flowers, leaves, roots, water. Seeds are on my list. So much packed within such a tiny, tiny space! And a vote for hummingbirds, with all that power and ferocity packed inside such a tiny beautiful body.
Since several of us have cats I’ll share a fun cat fact I learned recently that gives me a sense of awe: They can use almost 100% of their muscle power. That’s why they can leap such incredible heights. Speaking of which, I’ll just go get Tiggs off the kitchen counter now… oh wait, no, off the kitchen range hood. Darn that cat.
Water is something that awakens awe in me ! I’m grateful for clean fresh water ! All of nature’s elements same ordinary but are extremely extra extraordinary so V extra extraordinary is in the ordinary. Thank you !
I thought about water too!!
I love water, bodies of water, rivers, the ocean,
a shower, a fountain
birds splashing water in a bird bath,
water from an outdoor faucet, a hose
a glass of cold water on a hot day
The power of kindness always fills me with a sense of awe. Growing up, I felt alienated and outcasted. I have more memories of people being unkind to me, saying rude things or putting me down. Because of this, I started to believe that people assumed the worst of me. I made myself small, kept quiet, in hopes of being able to just get by without being spotted. Now, things are a lot different and I’ve grown into myself more and stand up for myself when I feel disrespected. But I still get thrown off when someone offers a helping hand or does something for me or wants to be around me. Nonetheless, I am allowing myself to bring down the walls I’ve kept up for so long and let kindness in, telling myself I am deserving of this.
This is such a beautiful and vulnerable share, Jenifer.
I’m feeling warmth toward you
from reading about how unkindness affected you,
and how you are now experiencing kindness
and others being drawn to you.
And I love that you are realizing
that you deserve to be treated well.
Sending love to you. ♥️♥️♥️
Jenifer thank you for this reflection. My lovely wife Cheryl asked me about 3.5 to 4 years ago in some of my darkest periods of addiction, “why don’t you feel like you deserve nice things and a nice life.” She was right I do and so do you!
Whenever I spend time in nature it displays its beauty and grounds me. I live in a mountainous area and the change in beauty with the seasons is always surprising. The leaves changing in the fall, snow in the winter and lush green in spring and summer. The beauty of the mountains plus the beauty of the sky, particularly at sunrise or sunset, but especially the night sky. Nature continues to amaze me.
The place that you live sounds so beautiful, Worth.
I share your love of nature.
I love the sky at sunset, sunrise, and throughout the day.
I love watching the clouds, especially the wispy ones,
move and change throughout the day.
The human-animal connection. I feel like my dog, who came from the shelter, is really into me. It astounds me that this creature from another species would so quickly and passionately bond with me, after we’ve only had him for a few months.
There are many things, some already mentioned. I think I am going to say the act of sitting. It can be for resting, reading, conversing, entertainment, education, worship, or nourishment.
There is a beautiful bed of daffodils in a neighbor’s front yard a few doors down. I’ve been watching it, as we walk past it every day. I was so happy recently when I saw buds on them, and yesterday a good handful of them had bloomed. Bright yellow like the sun. So beautiful, and I love to see a hint of spring this time of year. There are also some gorgeous crabapple trees blooming in the complex where my yoga studio is. Those petite pink flowers make me smile every time. And seeing some blooms this time of year offers not only joy, but hope for the days ahead.
New born babies, human or animal inspire awe in me.
The newness of a baby,
eyes, eyelids, lips, and nose
fingers and toes
So pure, not ordinary in any way
but so awe inspiring
I had to say.
♥️♥️♥️
I agree! My son’s friends baby is adorable with his red hair and is a very happy baby. He keeps himself entertained for hours and is so fun to watch. He will be running around soon!
I cry every time I am lucky enough to hold a newborn baby. I can’t help it, and it doesn’t matter whose it is! You’re right… they are so pure. Little miracles of life!
The combination of wind and snow and its’s ability to create artistry all around us. In particular, the drifts. Curving, deep, frozen crystals with whipped cream peaks. ❄️💙❄️
I have my family and culture. Our family are the only ones who will love and accept us for the good, bad, and evil.
Concerning culture, the more I’m improving in my Vietnamese and growing comfortable with my people, it’s easier to find common ground. In a culture of family of families, it’s much easier to make everyone happy. Everyone just sits at the table and eats rice and soup.
This is exactly why I resigned from my personal Project 9X Advocacy Project for people with autism and mental health struggles like me in the 1st place several months ago. The lesson I learned there is that in order to achieve our goals, the right environment is equally important; nature and nurture. It starts with the right ideas, but that alone within itself can only get us so far. Inside matters are broad and require a great deal of time and energy. My biggest challenge was finding credable people on my boat.
For family and culture, it’s easier to accept each other with more common ground. I still feel that it’s good to step out of our comfort zones, but we must take calculated risks; not foolish ones. Burnout is the last thing we need. At the end of the day, fish from fresh water go back to where they come from. Same goes for the ones from salt water.
Building from the root carries many benefits. Being less likelier to bark up the wrong tree, stronger sense of community, faster healing, and feeling more protected happen to be some. I value protection over power. Alignment and protection go together.
Loc, your answer is profound and has given me much to think about. I resonate with your observations about the common ground of family, needing protection and roots, the need for common culture. You put into words something I’ve long felt. For me, there has been a foundational collapse of my core family, so I have focused on extended family. It is has been difficult to work with these contrasts, to both stand up for the need to be accepted in one branch of the family, with futility, while being embraced by another branch. Lots to reflect upon, thank you again.
No problem, Drea. I’m fortunate to not only have living parents. I live with them, and they love and care for me unconditionally. I’ve had 2nd hand experience with not having that before.
Paw Mu is a Burmese friend I met at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind School. She lost her mom in Thailand in 1996 when she was 6 years old from sickness. Her dad passed away 13 years later from the same cause. She had to learn to navigate life without them and living everywhere off extended family members. Now that I’m passed the rebelion and guilt stage, I’m able to understand why she cared for me the way she did giving me a lot of advice. She’s right all along about her and me having the same personality. 2 people with different branches can certainly share the same root.
Yes, people can share the same root even if they’re not from immediate family, a good reminder. I feel I have a lot in common with my aunt, and that is very refreshing and comforting.
Drea, I’m glad you’re able to have that with her. I certainly feel the same way about my family on my mom’s side. Those closest to me have said that I’m similar to my mom. The original saying is “Like father like son.” For me, it’s “Like mother like son.” My mom and her side of the family are very: upbeat, outgoing, positive, and enthusiastic.
1
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Looking up and seeing some planets close to the moon, so bright. The utter vastness of space.
I am in awe of the night sky too!
My Adult children awaken the awe in me. They are 32 and almost 34. I am just in awe of how they have grown and become wonderful souls. It really warms my heart tremendously.
Well done, Robin Ann. Parenting is the hardest and most important Job in the world. 🩷
What a lovely reflection. It’s great when they thrive.
I’ve come to realize
that there is nothing that is ordinary in this world.
There is a quote whose essence has stayed with me
that goes something like this . . .
“If we really paid attention to the world around us,
we would be going around
every day,
with our eyes wide open,
and our jaws dropped in awe and wonder.”
It’s true . . .
we live in a world of artistry.
Each sentient being
was created with special intention,
well thought out,
and given gifts specific to its survival.
To over simplify,
birds are given beaks to peck with,
wings to fly,
and feet especially crafted
to walk where they need to walk.
Fish are given scales and fins
to make their journey through the waves
most efficient . . .
and on and on it goes.
Everything has purpose . . .
rocks and stones
are not without souls,
and neither are trees,
or bushes,
or flowers.
The natural world is not a place of chaos,
and a person cannot believe that it is
if he or she becomes present to it.
There is a Divine order to it all.
Our fingernails
are not leftovers or given by chance,
but they protect our fingers,
and give us something to cling with.
Our hair,
our eyes,
our organs,
our joints and teeth . . .
OMG
It’s all simply magical . . .
too magical really,
to possibly imagine the diversity within which we exist,
and of how we are all inter-connected
if we just pay attention.
Indeed,
no man is an island.
We are not alone.
Beautiful reflection, Sparrow!
Thank for reminding me that miracles are all around us!
Like I’ve said before, I’m easily amused. So, lots of things can awaken awe within me. But, there are times, when I am a bit blind to them and I’m only seeing the problems and issues and destructive forces. It’s at these times, that this practice really helps. Here are a few things off the top of my head. Thank you for this question this morning.
Looking at the glass domes of my cats eyes.
Looking closely at the first buds of spring.
Watching birds flying, like it’s the easiest thing.
Any sunrise or sunset.
The stars on a dark and moonless night.
The power of ocean waves crashing into shoreline.
Many good things already mentioned by others. Sunrises and sunsets, flowers, leaves, roots, water. Seeds are on my list. So much packed within such a tiny, tiny space! And a vote for hummingbirds, with all that power and ferocity packed inside such a tiny beautiful body.
Since several of us have cats I’ll share a fun cat fact I learned recently that gives me a sense of awe: They can use almost 100% of their muscle power. That’s why they can leap such incredible heights. Speaking of which, I’ll just go get Tiggs off the kitchen counter now… oh wait, no, off the kitchen range hood. Darn that cat.
😸😸😸😸🥰♥️
🙂
Not a reflection on the QOTD–I’m wondering where Butterfly is. We haven’t seen her here for quite a while. I hope she’s doing okay.
I am missing Kevin and Rabbit, also.
and Nannette – I know she is in the middle of her winter travels and it has been awhile since she has checked in … hoping she is ok too.
Yes, I have noticed that she hasn’t posted in quite a while.
Water is something that awakens awe in me ! I’m grateful for clean fresh water ! All of nature’s elements same ordinary but are extremely extra extraordinary so V extra extraordinary is in the ordinary. Thank you !
I thought about water too!!
I love water, bodies of water, rivers, the ocean,
a shower, a fountain
birds splashing water in a bird bath,
water from an outdoor faucet, a hose
a glass of cold water on a hot day
As Joseph would say, agua es vida!
Yes, it is Antoinette and Barb!
The power of kindness always fills me with a sense of awe. Growing up, I felt alienated and outcasted. I have more memories of people being unkind to me, saying rude things or putting me down. Because of this, I started to believe that people assumed the worst of me. I made myself small, kept quiet, in hopes of being able to just get by without being spotted. Now, things are a lot different and I’ve grown into myself more and stand up for myself when I feel disrespected. But I still get thrown off when someone offers a helping hand or does something for me or wants to be around me. Nonetheless, I am allowing myself to bring down the walls I’ve kept up for so long and let kindness in, telling myself I am deserving of this.
You are definitely deserving of kindness and all things good! Realizing that is life-changing… I’m happy for you, Jenifer.
This is such a beautiful and vulnerable share, Jenifer.
I’m feeling warmth toward you
from reading about how unkindness affected you,
and how you are now experiencing kindness
and others being drawn to you.
And I love that you are realizing
that you deserve to be treated well.
Sending love to you. ♥️♥️♥️
Jenifer thank you for this reflection. My lovely wife Cheryl asked me about 3.5 to 4 years ago in some of my darkest periods of addiction, “why don’t you feel like you deserve nice things and a nice life.” She was right I do and so do you!
Allowing kindness to warm your soul,
dear Jenifer,
will nurture the natural kindness
in you.
And yes,
you deserve it. ♥
Yes you are!
Whenever I spend time in nature it displays its beauty and grounds me. I live in a mountainous area and the change in beauty with the seasons is always surprising. The leaves changing in the fall, snow in the winter and lush green in spring and summer. The beauty of the mountains plus the beauty of the sky, particularly at sunrise or sunset, but especially the night sky. Nature continues to amaze me.
The place that you live sounds so beautiful, Worth.
I share your love of nature.
I love the sky at sunset, sunrise, and throughout the day.
I love watching the clouds, especially the wispy ones,
move and change throughout the day.
Yes
The human-animal connection. I feel like my dog, who came from the shelter, is really into me. It astounds me that this creature from another species would so quickly and passionately bond with me, after we’ve only had him for a few months.
Such a beautiful bond to be treasured.
Praise be,
dear Drea,
for the animal-human connection (!)
. . . remembering
that we are animals too. 🙂
There are many things, some already mentioned. I think I am going to say the act of sitting. It can be for resting, reading, conversing, entertainment, education, worship, or nourishment.
There is a beautiful bed of daffodils in a neighbor’s front yard a few doors down. I’ve been watching it, as we walk past it every day. I was so happy recently when I saw buds on them, and yesterday a good handful of them had bloomed. Bright yellow like the sun. So beautiful, and I love to see a hint of spring this time of year. There are also some gorgeous crabapple trees blooming in the complex where my yoga studio is. Those petite pink flowers make me smile every time. And seeing some blooms this time of year offers not only joy, but hope for the days ahead.
I love to watch buds appear and open up into flowers.
Such a glorious show!!!
The house I grew up in had a crabapple tree. Beautiful flowers!
New born babies, human or animal inspire awe in me.
The newness of a baby,
eyes, eyelids, lips, and nose
fingers and toes
So pure, not ordinary in any way
but so awe inspiring
I had to say.
♥️♥️♥️
I agree! My son’s friends baby is adorable with his red hair and is a very happy baby. He keeps himself entertained for hours and is so fun to watch. He will be running around soon!
It’s so much fun to see all the stages from being an infant to a toddler!
I have a piece of paper with my youngest sister foot print of when she was born and I can’t help but be in awe of how little she was!!
Infants are so tiny!
I cry every time I am lucky enough to hold a newborn baby. I can’t help it, and it doesn’t matter whose it is! You’re right… they are so pure. Little miracles of life!
The combination of wind and snow and its’s ability to create artistry all around us. In particular, the drifts. Curving, deep, frozen crystals with whipped cream peaks. ❄️💙❄️
I have my family and culture. Our family are the only ones who will love and accept us for the good, bad, and evil.
Concerning culture, the more I’m improving in my Vietnamese and growing comfortable with my people, it’s easier to find common ground. In a culture of family of families, it’s much easier to make everyone happy. Everyone just sits at the table and eats rice and soup.
This is exactly why I resigned from my personal Project 9X Advocacy Project for people with autism and mental health struggles like me in the 1st place several months ago. The lesson I learned there is that in order to achieve our goals, the right environment is equally important; nature and nurture. It starts with the right ideas, but that alone within itself can only get us so far. Inside matters are broad and require a great deal of time and energy. My biggest challenge was finding credable people on my boat.
For family and culture, it’s easier to accept each other with more common ground. I still feel that it’s good to step out of our comfort zones, but we must take calculated risks; not foolish ones. Burnout is the last thing we need. At the end of the day, fish from fresh water go back to where they come from. Same goes for the ones from salt water.
Building from the root carries many benefits. Being less likelier to bark up the wrong tree, stronger sense of community, faster healing, and feeling more protected happen to be some. I value protection over power. Alignment and protection go together.
Loc, your answer is profound and has given me much to think about. I resonate with your observations about the common ground of family, needing protection and roots, the need for common culture. You put into words something I’ve long felt. For me, there has been a foundational collapse of my core family, so I have focused on extended family. It is has been difficult to work with these contrasts, to both stand up for the need to be accepted in one branch of the family, with futility, while being embraced by another branch. Lots to reflect upon, thank you again.
No problem, Drea. I’m fortunate to not only have living parents. I live with them, and they love and care for me unconditionally. I’ve had 2nd hand experience with not having that before.
Paw Mu is a Burmese friend I met at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind School. She lost her mom in Thailand in 1996 when she was 6 years old from sickness. Her dad passed away 13 years later from the same cause. She had to learn to navigate life without them and living everywhere off extended family members. Now that I’m passed the rebelion and guilt stage, I’m able to understand why she cared for me the way she did giving me a lot of advice. She’s right all along about her and me having the same personality. 2 people with different branches can certainly share the same root.
Yes, people can share the same root even if they’re not from immediate family, a good reminder. I feel I have a lot in common with my aunt, and that is very refreshing and comforting.
Drea, I’m glad you’re able to have that with her. I certainly feel the same way about my family on my mom’s side. Those closest to me have said that I’m similar to my mom. The original saying is “Like father like son.” For me, it’s “Like mother like son.” My mom and her side of the family are very: upbeat, outgoing, positive, and enthusiastic.