A Better Human Being Today

This is page three in my hand dyed paper book. I made it at the John C Campbell School as a demonstration piece for the class I taught called Pulling It All Together. I utilized blessings, quotes and phrases about giving thanks. This phrase is one we might speak before a morning or afternoon meal:

We welcome the morning.
We welcome the day.

Sometimes it is keeping things simple that gives us the ability to truly be thankful. When a room full of people is still and silent, then everyone in unison says these words…it is powerful and magical. It truly does help you appreciate all the blessings you have in your life, in being creative, and in being able to learn new things. Meal time is one of the most interesting times of the week at the John c Campbell School. There are no assigned seats, so each meal provides the chance for you to sit with different people and learn about what they do, what they learning and why they are spending a week learning something new.

When was the last time you learned something new AND met new people? Not with the expectation that you have to go out and begin doing that skill or craft for a living, simply to challenge yourself and improve your skills. When was the last time you had a fun conversation with someone who was also willing to learn, share and ask you questions about what you are excited about? And when was the last time you stepped out of your own routine to do something different? All of these things happen each and every day at the John C Campbell School…or any craft based, creative art, learning event.

We grow bored and stale when we do too much of the same thing over and over and over and over again. We become a better version of ourself when we try something new, give thanks for each morning, and look forward to doing something new each day. Maybe these simple words are simple because they do not need to do anything else other than allow us to welcome in a new day.

I encourage you to get up and give thanks, try something new, and meet one new person today…even if it is the waitress, clerk or stranger you meet in line. Say hello, listen and wish them well. That’s all it takes to make us each a better human being today than we were yesterday.