In a classroom long, long ago, a college professor asked his students what kind of trees lined the walkway to the building they occupied. Most of the students looked at each other and responded “What trees?” This led to a discussion about what it is that we actually pay attention to as we move through life, and how much we miss.
On a recent walk at Indian Riverside Park, I noticed an elaborate series of chalk drawn epithets on the sidewalk near the Children’s Museum. They were all inspirational messages focused on encouragement, support, and positive thinking. The messages included :
Breathe through it!
Keep going, step by step, don’t give up!
You belong….
Some messages were illustrated: the word “Inclusion” featured a Star of David, a Heart, and a Cross. ✡️ 💜 ✝️
Most people passing by were on their phones, oblivious to the sidewalk graffiti, and the next week it was gone.
In these days of souped up technology, it is easier than ever to miss our inspirational connection with nature and with community. Research indicates that connection with nature offers improved mood, often reducing levels of anxiety and depression. It can improve memory and increase creativity and joy. Having a sense of connection to community offers many of the same benefits. Perhaps we can start by just paying more attention to what is around us, for you never know what might offer inspiration.
“To see the miraculous in the ordinary is a more precious gift than prophecy.” from The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese
On a recent walk at Indian Riverside Park, I noticed an elaborate series of chalk drawn epithets on the sidewalk near the Children’s Museum. They were all inspirational messages focused on encouragement, support, and positive thinking. The messages included :
Breathe through it!
Keep going, step by step, don’t give up!
You belong….
Some messages were illustrated: the word “Inclusion” featured a Star of David, a Heart, and a Cross. ✡️ 💜 ✝️
Most people passing by were on their phones, oblivious to the sidewalk graffiti, and the next week it was gone.
In these days of souped up technology, it is easier than ever to miss our inspirational connection with nature and with community. Research indicates that connection with nature offers improved mood, often reducing levels of anxiety and depression. It can improve memory and increase creativity and joy. Having a sense of connection to community offers many of the same benefits. Perhaps we can start by just paying more attention to what is around us, for you never know what might offer inspiration.
“To see the miraculous in the ordinary is a more precious gift than prophecy.” from The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese
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