"What you encounter, recognize, or discover depends to a large degree on the quality of your approach... When we approach with reverence, great things decide to approach us." --John O'Donohue
Even before I decided to embark on The Year of Living Slowly, I had become convinced that awe and wonder are the beginning and the end of the spiritual journey. Don't confuse this with a personal state of bliss or enlightenment. Awe is primary because it puts one in right relationship to everything and every one. It is the state of appreciation and humility. It is recognizing the sacred and divine image in the other, even the enemy. It is an internal state that leads to right action.
This is why I was struck by the quote from John O'Donohue. To "approach with reverence." This brings together my two intentions. My "approach" is slowness which makes space to see, feel, and open to life and people just as they are... This is reverential and leads to awe and wonder.
I suspect that this approach also leads to empathy and wisdom and clarity and joy and freedom and integrity, but I'll have to get back to you on that.
Slow Down/Appreciate
Even before I decided to embark on The Year of Living Slowly, I had become convinced that awe and wonder are the beginning and the end of the spiritual journey. Don't confuse this with a personal state of bliss or enlightenment. Awe is primary because it puts one in right relationship to everything and every one. It is the state of appreciation and humility. It is recognizing the sacred and divine image in the other, even the enemy. It is an internal state that leads to right action.
This is why I was struck by the quote from John O'Donohue. To "approach with reverence." This brings together my two intentions. My "approach" is slowness which makes space to see, feel, and open to life and people just as they are... This is reverential and leads to awe and wonder.
I suspect that this approach also leads to empathy and wisdom and clarity and joy and freedom and integrity, but I'll have to get back to you on that.
Slow Down/Appreciate