Walking to kindergarten, Felix notices a bush strewn with glittery party streamers. To me, litter lingering after a holiday party. But to him, treasure. I’m impatient, but we stop anyway and disentangle a few streamers from the leafless stems. Putting them in my jacket pocket, he says, “Protect them for me. Ok, Mama?”.
Good morning. I love your Sunday morning emails. It is amazing how easily the "AWE" is accessible for children and how as adults we aren´t aware of it anymore. Life is full of "AWES". Since my children are grown up, I try to find the little moments when walking my dog. I try to pause when she pauses instead of dragging her to keep on walking so I can get back to do whatever I think needs to urgently be done. It is challenging to walk that way but also nourishing. Have a lovely Sunday. Silke
How do I open myself to Awe? Instead of getting impatient when my old (15) dog stops to sniff for what seems like hours, I stop and listen to the sounds around me. I look with intent at the way the sun is shining its light on the trees, or the way the clouds are moving across the sky, or which direction the birds are flying, or the sound the leaves make as the wind sends them scurrying down the street like a panicked crowd. To be in tune with what is happening at the moment, because it is life happening in each moment.
I gasped straight from my heart when you wrote that Felix, your son asked you to protect the glittery party streamers or the lingering litter treasure! Thanks for such a profound reminder of how children can be such unknowing teachers. Anna
I’m sending you this link, it’s an interview that Tara Brach does with a fellow about all, I just got his book from the library as well. I think it’s one of the best things I listen to last year.
Also, Pema Chodron has a nice suggestion of closing your eyes, moving your head slightly and then opening your eyes and seeing what is right in front of you. I do this when I’m walking on the nearby trails. It’s not necessary to name anything or judge it nice or not nice, just to see it.
I’ve been out of the loop here for a while now, my dear husband passed away in August. And I am getting my bearings again after seven years of living with cancer. I’m so grateful that he was able to die at home in a peaceful calm way. I’m also so grateful for so much and that’s what inspires me on a daily basis. sending you lots of love across the skies from Canada
It’s so true, the daily rushing with not enough time to see or feel or come to rest. I find that so depleting.
It’s been lovely to read this story which gave me a little nudge for a new yoga practice. I call it ‘daily moment of delight’. It’s is a reminder to, every day let myself be taken by a moment, to pause and just look or listen or feel no matter how busy I may be or how many plans I have.
And this morning, there it was. As I walked out into our soggy garden, somewhere way up in some tree, a Pacific Wren was singing it’s morning song into the otherwise quiet air. So still and full this morning moment with those delicate notes ringing out clearly across the morning sky.
Good morning. I love your Sunday morning emails. It is amazing how easily the "AWE" is accessible for children and how as adults we aren´t aware of it anymore. Life is full of "AWES". Since my children are grown up, I try to find the little moments when walking my dog. I try to pause when she pauses instead of dragging her to keep on walking so I can get back to do whatever I think needs to urgently be done. It is challenging to walk that way but also nourishing. Have a lovely Sunday. Silke
How do I open myself to Awe? Instead of getting impatient when my old (15) dog stops to sniff for what seems like hours, I stop and listen to the sounds around me. I look with intent at the way the sun is shining its light on the trees, or the way the clouds are moving across the sky, or which direction the birds are flying, or the sound the leaves make as the wind sends them scurrying down the street like a panicked crowd. To be in tune with what is happening at the moment, because it is life happening in each moment.
I gasped straight from my heart when you wrote that Felix, your son asked you to protect the glittery party streamers or the lingering litter treasure! Thanks for such a profound reminder of how children can be such unknowing teachers. Anna
Just Thank you Lizzie what a beautiful message. Thank God Our children share awe with us🙏🫶
I’ve got Dolly Parton’s “World on Fire” near the top of the favorites now
Lizzie, I love your openness-it’s energizing, full of possibilities.
Be still, be quiet listen and be Grateful- Help someone else
Children are a blessing without them the world would be even a hotter mess than it all ready is. Children reflect what is really important. 💕
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/tara-brach/id265264862?i=1000637878337
Good day Lizzie,
I’m sending you this link, it’s an interview that Tara Brach does with a fellow about all, I just got his book from the library as well. I think it’s one of the best things I listen to last year.
Also, Pema Chodron has a nice suggestion of closing your eyes, moving your head slightly and then opening your eyes and seeing what is right in front of you. I do this when I’m walking on the nearby trails. It’s not necessary to name anything or judge it nice or not nice, just to see it.
I’ve been out of the loop here for a while now, my dear husband passed away in August. And I am getting my bearings again after seven years of living with cancer. I’m so grateful that he was able to die at home in a peaceful calm way. I’m also so grateful for so much and that’s what inspires me on a daily basis. sending you lots of love across the skies from Canada
Love this Lizzie. And Felix made my day!🙏♥️🐚
Love your Sunday newsletter, Lizzie. And looking forward to checking out the song! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Close all devices, go outside & LISTEN.
It’s so true, the daily rushing with not enough time to see or feel or come to rest. I find that so depleting.
It’s been lovely to read this story which gave me a little nudge for a new yoga practice. I call it ‘daily moment of delight’. It’s is a reminder to, every day let myself be taken by a moment, to pause and just look or listen or feel no matter how busy I may be or how many plans I have.
And this morning, there it was. As I walked out into our soggy garden, somewhere way up in some tree, a Pacific Wren was singing it’s morning song into the otherwise quiet air. So still and full this morning moment with those delicate notes ringing out clearly across the morning sky.
As always - your Sunday message is a chance to connect with simple pleasure and awe. Thank you Lizzie.
I find stepping outside (rain or shine) and spending time outdoors usually triggers my awareness of beauty and awe.
I imagine being the ‘first’ creature that emerges from the sea… and seeing sunlight, plant life of sorts and feeling toes sinking into sand.