How Do You Feel When You Are Your Best Self?
This weekend made me rethink what it means to be "in a good mood"
Let me preface this uplifting issue with the admission that I can be sullen, irritable and selfish. At times, my energy can be pretty bad.
But not this weekend, which we spent in Zion National Park. (The photo at the top shows the view from the park, looking back towards town. It was taken just before sunrise.)
Zion is one of those places that instantly lifts my spirits and energy. Within an hour of arrival, I’m incredibly grateful. In the park, you are surrounded by awe-inspiring vistas. Here’s the same view, about 90 minutes later:
Here’s what I realized this weekend: awe is an internal state. No matter how magnificent the world around you might be, you still have to open yourself to the experience. If you don’t believe me, go to any national park and check out the people who seem oblivious to their surroundings.
My perception that Zion is a magical place causes me to behave in ways very different from my normal habit. I get up earlier, walk slower, pause more frequently, and even stop to touch trees, rocks and water:
In this place, my energy is very, very good. You’d enjoy being in my company (unless you prefer to sleep late.)
Why am I telling you this?
Experiences like this one teach me what it means to have good energy. They show me how it feels to be an uplifting presence. They make me realize that most of the time, my energy maxes out at just pretty good. More importantly, I become aware of all those days when I have been sullen or selfish for no apparent reason. Do I really want to waste even one more day of my life in such a state?
So you could say that visiting places such as Zion is how I benchmark what it feels like to be my best self. Do you have a way to do this? I’d be curious to hear…
P.S. Back in Park City this morning, I had company watching the sunrise. Look closely in the space above my signature…
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Miss you at Stratton