Experiencing Awe

“Introductions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” - Mary Oliver

Sometimes it can feel like we’re at the center of our own universe, fixated on our personal affairs without much regard for other people. Experiencing awe can jolt us out of this self focused mindset, stirring feelings of wonder and inspiration by reminding us that we’re a part of something larger than ourselves. This may seem like something that requires travel to distant lands, but there are plenty of opportunities closer to home. We just need to look around!

To get started, turn off your cell phone and go for a walk. Try to approach everything you see with fresh eyes, imagining that you’re seeing it for the first time. Take deep breaths. Feel your feet on the ground. Let your attention move from the vast to the small. Notice all the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations that present themselves.

As you move through the rest of your day, take note of the moments that bring you wonder, that give you goosebumps; These are your opportunities for awe. As they stir humility and wonder, you may discover that they point you toward what you’re supposed to do while you’re here on Earth. Want to learn more? Pick up a copy of the Greater Good Toolkit!

Women's HERstory

Recently, as part of Women’s History Month, we honored International Women’s Day by celebrating the women we know, love, and adore, and the trailblazing women who have paved the way for some of the greatest advancements in our civilization. Please join us by recognizing these women for their heroism at home, work, and anywhere they go!

Giving the gift of time

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” - Kahlil Gibran

When we’re busy, it’s easy to sacrifice quality time with others in favor of work and other obligations. But that can lead to regrets. We fall out to touch with friends or miss out on our kids’ milestones. Taking time for social connection allows us to build positive and supportive relationships from which we can draw strength in the future — especially when we need a helping hand to get us through tough times. And of course, the gift of time is something all of us can afford because it’s absolutely free!

Here’s a quick exercise we found to help us allocate time for the important people in our lives:

1. Think of a person you care about.

2. Think of something you can do for this person that only requires giving your time? 

3. Plan a gift of time for this person and give it, whether it means doing something with them or doing something for them.

4. Don’t tell the recipient of your gift how much time you spent on it.

If you feel like sharing, let us know how it goes!

Black History Month: Remembering Katherine Johnson

Throughout February, we celebrate Black History Month, and with that in mind, we want to honor Katherine Johnson, an American mathematician and NASA engineer whose calculations of orbital mechanics led to the success of the earliest U.S. crewed spaceflights.

In case you missed it, after a seven-month journey through the cold, dark reaches of space and a dramatic descent, NASA's Perseverance rover landed on the surface of Mars last week to begin its mission of searching for fossilized microbial life forms. Mashable has the historic and harrowing story.

Welcome to a brand new year!

Dear 2020: It’s great to put you in the rearview mirror, and while we wouldn’t recommend you to our friends, we’ll never forget you!

Dear 2021: We’re so glad to see you! Please, sit down and stay awhile…

Welcome to a brand new year! Let’s celebrate and raise a glass to brighter days ahead...

Wishing you a Happy 2021 filled with only the BEST!

- Pearl & Kevin