One of life’s greatest pleasures for me is reading a book that makes me a better person. Sometimes it takes my mind on a journey that is new and different, but most often, it’s nonfiction for me that helps me more clearly understand both the simplicity and the complexity of our lives.
Shauna Niequist’s latest, “I guess I haven’t learned that yet,” delivers on all things making us better in pretty much every chapter. She, like many of us (okay…probably all of us) found her life disrupted in an unexpected chapter of their lives after moving from the Midwest to New York City. The depth and vulnerability she shares about all manner of issues, including new & old friendships, menopause, marriage, trying to be a great mom and all of the things that come as we grow and age is just what I needed. I think you might love it too!
As we are in this “Summer Series” topic of re-centering, I particularly loved her thoughts on finding inspiration… all in a chapter titled, “Put Yourself in the Path.” How on point is that?
“There’ a myth that (inspiration) is mercurial and wispy, that it’s floaty and unpredictable and you just cross your fingers and hope it lands on you at the right time. ‘Not true!’ Inspiration is my responsibility. It doesn’t strike like lightning. You can’t manhandle it or make demands of it, but you can put yourself in the path of it. You make yourself available to it.”
To me, one of the best products of re-centering is that inspiration…creativity and clarity often emerge! How can you put yourself in the path over the next several weeks? Can you make time to seek out nature? To watch the hummingbirds living their best lives, or stare up at the magnificence of an old tree? To stroll through a farmer’s market and ruminate on the lives of those who are literally sowing seeds and putting in the hours to ensure we have fresh produce? To find a nearby lake to simply stare and find your mind freeing up space? Can you coordinate an ice cream date with a friend or family member or grab a box of popsicles to share? Can you grab a glass jar and go find some fire flies to spark your inner child? Can you find a cool art gallery to get lost in?
What are some other ideas? I know everyone would love to hear them! I have some friends who recently went on cruises by themselves … What a brave and amazing thing to do! The one posted a pic on a hammock outside of her seaside room. How cool is that? Hearing all of the ideas alone inspires me!
Shauna continues in that same chapter, “What I’m learning is that in the same way we put ourselves in the path of inspiration, we also put ourselves in the path of joy…and sometimes frankly, it takes a little muscle… I no longer wait for joy to rise up unbidden, I put myself in her path every chance I get.” That resonates and is a wonderful reminder and challenge for us all.
Here’s to a summer of fresh thinking and renewed souls. I’m praying and cheering for you all!
