“Before I knew it, one thing led to another…” Says everyone.
I love to study how things work together. How does the very tangible foundation of our earth like the ocean gravely influence our intangible, interior life? Why does the sunshine help our state of mind? Yes, these are big life questions and no I don’t believe the answers are black and white. But as I prioritize thankfulness and try and make serving others apart of my lifestyle, there are some key “connectors” I think can help us build our own bridge between where we are today and where we want to be tomorrow. For me this is all about connection, truly an obsession of mine. It feels like a late night craving. I love cold pizza and I love connection. And why does connection constantly vie for my attention…just like that late night pizza lol. I think because one thing constantly leads to another…
The Hebrew word for peace is shalom. It means freedom from trouble as in conflict. It means experiencing the highest good and possessing all the inner good possible. It means wholeness and soundness. I saw “Aspire to Inspire” on my calendar and it hit me, inspiring people comes from the same seed, the same root as peace. Both I argue are healthy states of mind; a peaceful state is calm and tranquil while an inspired state leaves you feeling stimulated and excited about the future.
I believe so much of our natural world is meant to create in us feelings of both peace and inspiration. That is why the ocean can move us to deep meaning and at the same time leave us feeling calm and at peace. In a time where peace and inspiration seem impossible to hold consistently and at the same time(!) let’s change that by looking outside! Literally. Let’s try and wake up aware of what we do have. Let’s try and connect all that is before us to all that is within us. When I stand before a forest of trees I am in awe of the strength they represent and the colors and history they carry. Now that I live in Florida the first (10 seconds) I am in chill air, it hits me differently. I feel my lungs, working, filling me up so much so I become…inspired. I realize this world is in great distress, as many of us feel so much for so many… And since our land is currently not a war zone, a healthy and whole response looks like letting their reality change how we react to ours. Let our grass (brown and all), our trees, our beaches, our towns broken down or dirty, still at peace relative to parts of the world, give us peace.
Our environment aspires to inspire us! And so I believe it is our duty to take charge of what we have and let it seep into the depths of our interior life by reflecting on our exterior life, how blessed we are. How the choice to be inspired is just outside our window.
P.S. did you know all oceans are connected? One thing does lead to another…
Sincerely, Molly