Awesome Stories 309

/ March 4, 2017

This week Awesome Stories brings you nature’s magic, kindness, compassion, and better relationships.

Nature’s Magic

I periodically feature Mike Oblinski’s wonderful storm photos, but here is something different from Mike. He and his buddies go on a yearly road trip to get lost and discover new places. I love their sense of adventure and this magical short video offering a brief, but beautiful respite in the mist and woods of the Oregon coast. Enjoy!

Love and Compassion

love, roses, awesome storiesBeyond being a successful neurosurgeon, Dr. James Doty is an advocate for the magic of love. I recently read his book, Into the Magic Shop, telling his story of learning about magic from Ruth. It wasn’t the kind of magic to do tricks, but rather the magic of learning to influence your body, mind, and heart for the good of all. After a challenging childhood, James went on to become a successful doctor and entrepreneur, then giving away most of his wealth. After more ups and downs, he started CCARE at Stanford to study the science of compassion and later served as the Chairman of the Dali Lama Foundation. He is committed to teaching compassion and living with an open heart. To me, this is true love in action.

Kindness Matters

I love this project for its simplicity and reminder that kindness matters. These children offer so much wisdom. I hope we listen and act on their wisdom. Filmmakers Jessie Auritt and Alexandra Berger wanted to do something to counter the negativity, xenophobia, racism and sexism that surfaced during our recent US elections. May we treat others as we want to be treated.

Relationship Tips

This helpful article reminds us that our daily actions can either build love or walls to love in our relationships. Technology is playing a bigger role in our lives, but we need to use it consciously. Christine Carter offers some suggestions for being smart with technology. In order to build connections, Christine suggests that we create technology free times and zones. This helps us be present with the other person and show them respect and care. She also suggests that we learn to be alone, finding our own happiness and innate connection with the world. And finally, she suggests we limit our virtual time to face the real challenges and vulnerabilities in our 3D life. We often put our best selves forward online, but our vulnerabilities are what often bring us closer to others. I’ve certainly found great comfort and connection in sharing my vulnerabilities.

May you find the balance between taking care of self and others to live a life full of love and compassion. 

 

Related posts

38 thoughts on “Awesome Stories 309”

  4. Just bought “Into the magic shop.” (As a recently retired surgeon myself with an interest in pursuing the benefits of ecotherapy and an unashamed Nature-nut, I suspect this is going to be a great addition to my library)

    Thanks again Brad! I’m not blowing smoke here, but every week you share new, engaging, and inspiring posts. PLEASE keep up the great work

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Another beautiful, soul warming collection of the very best of the human heart, mind and soul. LOVE the video of the kids sharing their thoughts about kindness! So simple in essence. And I warmly welcome the last piece, about being smart with technology, as a personal and timely reminder. Thank you 🙂 Blessings, Harula xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. What a lovely way to begin my Sunday. Mike Obinski’s video is absolutely beautiful…it would be lovely to have it projected onto my bedroom wall every night so that I could view before I fell asleep.
    Why be Kind? – all the children told us very clearly why it is so important to be kind – to ourselves and to everyone else we encounter. Everyone benefits.
    I gave an interview on using social media as an artist for University of Arizona…and the one thing I emphasised was the importance of treating our virtual and 3D worlds in the same way….which means treating anyone we interact with – in the same considerate and respectful way……and if you want to learn about someone else as you might in the 3 D world, give it time – allow relationships to develop in both worlds. Thank you Brad – hope you are enjoying a lovely weekend…janet. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. As always, love your posts. 🙂 I agree about the technology stuff. I’ve been trying to build up my blog, work full time, balance that with mindful down-time and time spent with family. There are just days where I’m not ever going to get to everything. And right now, I’m visiting family, so I’ll be especially slow this week getting to everything but well…it’s still good to put the technology down in favor of connecting. <– That right there is an ironic statement. Ha!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. I just loved this post Brad.. it swelled my heart as did that Movie of Mists and Water.. Wow.. I got lost in it for the duration.
    Compassion Caring, Kindness and Love.. All mattering so much in the world.. Thank you for sharing them Brad.. I so enjoyed reading them today 🙂 ❤
    Love and Blessings Sue 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Hello ‘Writing to freedom’ 🙂
    I especially resonated with the ‘kindness’ post, as this has been my own little pet crusade too. The children are so inspiring and we are in good hands if they are our next generation. Thank you for the video 🌟🌟🌹

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thanks Di and welcome. I’m glad you’ve made kindness a pet project. We can all use more love and kindness. Agreed that the next generation seems more ready to live more in harmony with each other and the planet. Blessings, Brad

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Your turn!