Look Up. Way up!

While on my daily walk today I do what I often do when I'm walking up a big, long hill. I put my head down and just focus on the small area of pavement right in front of me. When I look too far ahead I start to feel less energetic, as if I'm not going to make it to the top and want to turn around.

Well, today I experienced something very different. With my head down and plodding along, a little voice in me said, "Look up. Way up!" So I did, and what a difference it made.

I saw an expansive, beautiful, blue sky with magnificent clouds and lush, rich green trees with the sun's rays shining through them. I felt so connected to my surroundings that it brought tears to my eyes. It was as though my entire Being was opening up and I found myself both energized and grateful for the listening to that gentle, kind voice within.

Many times we put our heads down with our nose to the grindstone so we can do exactly what we need to do in order to accomplish a goal. As practical and helpful as this can be to keep us moving forward, it can also be limiting, shortsighted, all encompassing. When we're willing to take a moment to look up, way up, we can see the bigger picture and gain greater insights. A new perspective that can leave us feeling elated and renewed in the moment, giving us even more momentum to keep on going.