As we slowly move into the winter months after being out and about in the summer and fall months, it is a good time to think of things we are grateful for including the value and meaning of the most important people and things in your life. Researchers have found nature is a common source of joy. Just the act of appreciating a dandelion or the fall colors may play an even larger role in our overall happiness than we know.
Stopping to look up at our surroundings is an act of appreciation and recognizing the source of goodness in our lives. Including daily moments to pause and notice what brings us joy and really seeing what causes that emotion is an important aspect of well-being that doesn’t take a lot of time. The difference in happiness, a sense of belonging, and well-being can be significantly higher for those who spend time noticing and savoring these moments of joy.
I first learned about the act of savoring from Rick Hanson. He states, ”savoring positive experiences can change the brain for the better, It’s kind of amazing: right now, what you think and feel, enjoy and suffer, is changing your brain. The brain is the organ that learns, designed by evolution to be changed by our experiences…Besides being more open in general to beneficial experiences, you can look for those specific experiences that will grow the particular inner strength(s) that will help you the most these days. For example, if you’re feeling anxious, look for authentic opportunities to feel supported, protected, resourced, tough-minded, relaxed, or calm. If life feels disappointing or blah, look for genuine facts that naturally support experiences of gladness, gratitude, pleasure, accomplishment, or effectiveness. If you feel lonely or inadequate, look for the real occasions when you are included, seen, appreciated, liked, or loved—and open to feeling appropriately cared about, and valued; also look for chances to feel caring yourself, since love is love whether it is flowing in or flowing out.”. I was able to experience this firsthand a few weeks ago. The photo above captured the moment. I was hiking through the woods near my house. I was very focused on the trail there are a lot of rocks, roots, and branches that I could trip over so I was looking down at the trail for most of my hike. Suddenly I heard a twig snap and the sound startled me. I looked up and all around to see what caused the noise. It was a deer walking through the woods so I began to relax. As I relaxed I looked up and saw a beautiful view. I went from being very nervous about the sound to feel so grateful for the view, the opportunity to be outside, and to have the time to enjoy nature. Sometimes I get so focused on what is right in front of me that I forget to look around at what is all around me. Sometimes things don't turn out as planned but oftentimes there are other positive events that happen that would not have happened had things gone as planned. For example, I recently co-hosted a retreat. The sign-up for the retreat did not go as planned and we did not have as many attendees as we thought we would have. However, if the retreat would have sold out right away I would not have reached out to the media or friends to help me promote the event. After reaching out to the media and friends I made several new contacts and built new relationships that led to different opportunities. At first, I was disappointed because the retreat was not selling as quickly as I thought it would. But now when I “look up” I realize I would not be in the situation I am in now with a larger network of support if the retreat sold out quickly.
Can you think of a time when something did not go as planned but ended up being better than you thought?
On a related note, the retreat went really well and I learned a lot from the experience. Throughout the retreat, I tried to remind myself to “look up” and take in my surroundings.
In what areas of your life do you need to "look up"? When can you take a few minutes to savor an experience? What brings you joy?
The expression “look up!” is not just about nature, but instead is a statement that encourages us to appreciate the world around us. It is a reminder to take in our surroundings, slow down, to be present. It isn’t easy, it means being aware and attentive to the present moment to be able to experience and enjoy the small moments throughout the day. Today, I have a larger community and more engaged community that I look forward to serving all because I looked up and enjoyed the view.
**Scroll to the end of the newsletter for upcoming EMPOWER Possible events. I have added a few since the last newsletter.
Cheers to the journey and thank you for your readership!
Julie
(The photo below is from a recent hike. Bean and Bear Lakes. 😊🍁) | 
