Awesome Stories 210

/ February 21, 2015

This week Awesome Stories brings you sacred seeds, magic giving, doing nothing, wind farms and hugs.

Sacred SeedsSacred seeds, Awesome Stories

Seeds are literally what bring us life, feed us and keep life on earth thriving. What could be more sacred than bringing forth life? This fun post is filled with poignant quotes and beautiful photos reminding us to treasure these beautiful and sacred seeds. Sometimes it’s good to stop and simply marvel at the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Dandelion seed photo by Deana Holbova.

The Magic of Giving 

This is a very touching video that highlights the beauty of giving. One of the core messages is that we are rich by what we give, rather than what we own. For you tender-hearted folks, you might want tissues handy!  🙂

Doing Nothing as a Productivity Tool

Christine Carter makes a good case for how doing nothing is a great tool for boosting our productivity. I totally agree with her that we have lost the ability to do nothing. Our modern lives are centered on productivity, multi-tasking, fast pace, constant stimulation and more. Rarely do we take the time for simply being. I remember the first year I discovered porch sitting after moving to Arkansas. I was surprised by the peace I found from sitting on the porch simply watching the sky (or whatever), letting my mind wander freely with no agenda. Porch sitting became a nightly ritual, a form of sitting meditation. We need stillness in order to recharge our batteries from the constant stream of external stimulation and busyness.

Wind Farm Blows into NWA

If things go as planned, we might have our first wind farm in Northwest Arkansas! Dragonfly Industries International has submitted plans to the City of Elm Springs to build what would be the first large-scale wind farm in NW Arkansas. Dragonfly wants to build dozens of large wind turbines on 300 acres of land west of Springdale. They claim to have more efficient turbines that would allow them to be profitable in what is considered a marginal area for wind potential. I’m all for it, as long as the company is taking the risk and not local taxpayers. With patents pending, Dragonfly claims their turbine design is quieter, less likely to harm birds and more reliable. Blow, baby blow!

The Art of Patience kitchen mosaic, Awesome Stories

Speaking of slowing down, artist Liza Lou must know something I don’t. She spent 5 years on her first mosaic project. I have a hard time imagining doing anything for 5 years, let alone one continual art project. She created a life-sized replica of a kitchen with glass beads placed one at a time with tweezers. Yes, you read that correctly! The photo is not a painting, but a kitchen covered in millions of glass beads by hand!

Did You Get Your Hugs Today?

I’ve enjoyed the joy of hugging since my 30’s, though I haven’t received as many lately. Maybe it’s time to give more hugs!  🙂  This study demonstrated that people with more social connections and hugs have stronger immune systems and are less likely to get sick. I’ve read other sources that suggest we hug at least 5 or more times a day. And after about 20′ of hugging, our physiology changes, releasing chemicals like oxytocin that contribute to good feelings and connection. Here are 5 more reasons to hug someone today!

Want to join me in offering more helping hands, hugs and smiles this week?

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18 thoughts on “Awesome Stories 210”

  3. Aw, I love this post, Brad! Especially the HUGS! I am a very big, big fan of the hug. In fact, I have been known to squeeze tighter than I appear capable of, lol. They really do change your mood. And you can tell a lot about a person by the way they hug, don’t you think?

    Thank you for the smiles and the beautiful invitation to slow down. I am also a big fan of this. 😉

    Hugs and light,

    Allison

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  5. Aw, a very moving video, I needed a hug after that 🙂 Two great points in your post Brad, the benefit of hugs (good to know ‘cos I love them!) and taking time out just to be. We need to just stop sometimes, have some time alone and appreciate the beauty and peace of the moment 🙂

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  6. It’s amazing how the world can make us feel almost guilty about doing nothing. Truth is, doing nothing is actually a lot more productive at times than just doing something. I enjoy sitting on our back porch with a cup of coffee, a frosty brew, or a glass of chardonnay – depending upon the time of day – and just being. Watching and listening to the birds, sensing the motion of clouds across the sky, just inhaling the fresh air is revitalizing. Thanks for sharing Brad, and best wishes for many more days contemplating the beauty of the world from your porch chair 🙂

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    • I agree Dave and still have trouble just relaxing and doing nothing! 🙂 Porch sitting is a great skill and joy that I’ve learned since moving to Arkansas. May we find time to relax and savor the beauty in life.
      To savoring Dave!

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  9. Is this synchronicity or what! I just posted a picture of my orchid blooming and the buds still on it and wrote a poem on it and the divinity that is inherent in this process. And here you talk about the sacredness of seeds and the natural world! Grace flows thus even through the internet! 🙂 Thank you for sharing the wonderful news, as I wind down (it’s sunday night here in London as I type). I did shed a tear at the beautiful video and I send a magical hug across time and space to you! :))

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  13. Love your weekly inspiration, as always…Boy oh boy 8-12 hugs a day????? I’d better get busy! 😉 p.s. My sound card is on the blitz, and I’m therefore unable to watch the “Magic of Giving” video…I promise to view asap!! xoxo

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