Aliveness

In his book, "Reflections from the North Country" , Sigurd Olson has a chapter titled "Aliveness." He comments on how so many people seem to go through life with little or no happiness or zest for living... with little hope or enthusiasm. Sigurd was an ecologist and conservationist, a professor and writer who dearly loved the outdoors and the Quetico-Superior region of Minnesota and Ontario, Canada. This particular book was first published back in 1976 by Knopf, a book and a man that is very wise.

I have been coming in contact with more and more people who seem to be suffering from emptiness and just the plain old blahs! People who are trying desperately to fill the void in their lives with stuff and the pursuit of more stuff and/or busy-ness for the sake of being busy. People who find no joy in living and feel they have nothing to look forward to. Why?

I believe that in order to be alive, to live an inspired life one must be aware of their connection to the natural world every day. Our lives are interconnected with every living thing on this planet. Our choices and our thoughts affect other living things and each other. There is extraordinary beauty all around us every day. How can anyone look at a hummingbird and not be awed by their beauty, their ability to hover in the air, the speed in which their wings flutter, their own joy!? Walk around your neighborhood and see the colors and variety of flowers, trees and bushes; watch the sunrise or the sunset and the way the changing light changes the scene minute by minute; feel the grass between your toes or the smoothness of a water polished stone from a creek; smell the earthiness of the woods, the saltiness of the seashore or of a fresh rain; listen to the birds singing in the morning or the crickets chirping at night; reconnect with the natural world that is all around you and celebrate that you are able to appreciate and Be apart of it.

In order to be "alive" we must be inspired. To be inspired we must look for new ways to learn and experience life. We have senses to help us add depth to our daily experiences. Use your sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch to connect. Use your instinct and your knowing as well. The old adage "stop and smell the roses" is more true than you know. When we are inspired everything and anything is possible. Be adventurous, curious, seek your true essence enthusiastically and celebrate your Aliveness!