Jack Canfield Jack Canfield author. speaker. motivator.

Affectionately known as "America's #1 Success Coach," Jack Canfield is the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and a leading authority in the areas of self-esteem, achievement motivation, and peak performance. [www.jackcanfield.com]

 
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington political powerhouse. media mogul. author.

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post and the author of twelve books. [www.huffingtonpost.com]

 
Seth Godin Seth Godin author. speaker. linchpin.

Seth Godin is a prominent author, blogger and speaker. [www.squidoo.com/linchpin]

 
Krishna Kaur Krishna Kaur yogi. philanthropist. dynamic teacher.

Krishna Kaur is the founder of YOGA for Youth, a program that takes yoga, meditation, and stimulating discussions on the philosophy of yoga to urban youth. [www.yogaforyouth.org]

 
Norman Lear Norman Lear producer. philanthropist. tv legend.

Norman Lear has enjoyed a long career in television and film. He is also a political and social activist and philanthropist. [www.normanlear.com]

 
Leilani Münter Leilani Münter race car driver. activist. carbon free girl.

Leilani Münter is a professional race car driver and an environmental activist who uses her voice in the number one spectator sport in America as a catalyst for change. [www.leilanimunter.com]

 
Kevin Bales Kevin Bales Freedom Fighter. Philanthropist. Game Changer.

By going undercover to meet slaves and slaveholders, Kevin Bales exposed modern slavery's penetration into the global economy. He co-founded Free the Slaves, which has helped to liberate thousands of slaves. [www.freetheslaves.net]

 
Sophie Chiche Sophie Chiche mom. big dreamer. lady in red.

Sophie Chiche, lifebyme.com founder and curator, enjoys asking deep questions and living a life of meaning. Today she's launching Shape House, an urban sweat lodge, a place to melt away fears and fat. [www.shapehousela.com]

 
Mastin Kipp Mastin Kipp Writer. Entrepreneur. Daily Lover.

Entrepreneur and writer Mastin Kipp founded TheDailyLove.com, which merges pop culture with inspiration, and co-founded The Love Yourself Company, an apparel company that has started a global self-esteem movement. [www.TheDailyLove.com]

 
Liz Phair Liz Phair singer. musician. crier.

Liz Phair is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. [www.lizphair.com]

 
Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu archbishop. author. peaceful leader.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is Chairman of The Elders, a group of world leaders who address some of the world's most pressing problems. He works energetically for human-rights and in his ministry. [www.tutu.org]

 
Zainab Salbi Zainab Salbi author. ceo. humanitarian.

Zainab Salbi is the founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a group dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. [www.womenforwomen.org]

 
Sean Stephenson Sean Stephenson speaker. psychotherapist. life embracer.

Despite his physical challenges, Sean Stephenson has taken a stand for a quality of life that has inspired millions of people around the world. He's a professional speaker, psychotherapist, and author. [www.timetostand.com]

 
Kia Miller Kia Miller yogi. meditator. teacher.

Kia Miller teaches Yoga at Yoga Works in Los Angeles, leads teacher trainings, and runs retreats and workshops on meditation, chakras, pranayam, and mantras, and other practices. [www.kiamiller.com]

 
Simon Mainwaring Simon Mainwaring creator. writer. idea geek.

Simon Mainwaring is an ex-Nike/Wieden creative, former Worldwide Creative Director at Motorola/Ogilvy, branding/advertising writer, author/speaker/blogger, Australian, idea geek. [www.simonmainwaring.com]

 
Shannon Bindler Shannon Bindler Strategist. Writer. Life Coach.

Shannon Bindler is a style editor, life coach, and the co-founder of Get Up Girl, an empowerment company that inspires women to shine. [www.getupgirl.com]

 
Mathieu Bitton Mathieu Bitton Designer. Art Director. Passionate Creator.

Grammy-nominated art director/designer/photographer Mathieu Bitton has designed over 450 CDs and movie posters. He's a renowned collector of and authority on black films and their soundtracks. [www.candytangerine.com]

 
Jorge Perez Jorge Perez Agent. Producer. Photography Enthusiast.

Opus Reps founder and agent-producer Jorge Perez travels the world producing photo shoots with great photographers and celebrities. He's also very involved with Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles. www.opusreps.com

 

nature time

Jonathan Ellerby Jonathan Ellerby outdoor explorer. diversity accepter. extension of earth.

Jonathan Ellerby, PhD, is a spiritual teacher, healer, author, and the CEO for the Tao Center for Inspired Living in the Mayan Riviera. [www.jonathanellerby.com]

Nature is a place where I experience the intersection of nearly everything that’s good in my life. It’s where I feel nourished and most relaxed. It’s where I feel inspired and challenged. It’s where I like to spend time with my family and my son.

Growing up, I spent every summer and a lot of the weekends in the spring and fall canoeing and swimming and exploring in wilderness areas. Those trips gave me my first experience of spirit and my first experience of self. In those experiences I gained an innate sense of confidence in the world and curiosity about the world.  As a young person in nature, canoeing, hiking or exploring, there’s a very immediate demand for common sense, and self-awareness, and in more rigorous settings, self-mastery because as much as nature is nurturing, nature is also challenging.

The majority of my psychological, interpersonal, and spiritual qualities are rooted in my original experiences of nature. We are the environment. We are nature. Our businesses, our families, our bodies. We are extensions of the earth. We’re a part of the system.

A great example has to do with acceptance and diversity. In the natural world, you don’t generally look a cedar tree and an oak tree and condemn one for being too much like a cedar tree and one for being too much like an oak tree. You engage each on its terms. You accept it on its terms. You explore and inquire about its personality on its own terms. We simply accept that the natural world’s not going to change for us, so we engage it with a less judging mind, more a mind of curiosity.

Now I look at other people with a position of acceptance first, a quality of curiosity second, and third, a desire to find and appreciate the innate beauty in each, to understand how it all works together as a system, without judgment.

Connecting with nature has less to do with the setting and more to do with how we approach it. What makes all the difference is the quality of attention we bring to it. It has to do with slowing down our breath and making a commitment to just spending time meditatively. If you approach it with absolute present moment awareness, you will see it as a miracle.

– Jonathan Ellerby

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Kathlyn Hendricks
    Kathlyn Hendricks Kathlyn Hendricks body-mind integration pioneer. relationship expert. mover and shaker.

    Bestselling author Kathlyn Hendricks, Ph.D., A.D.T.R., has been a pioneer in the field of body-mind integration and body-centered relationship transformation for nearly forty years. [www.hendricks.com]

     
  • Michael Browne
    Michael Browne Michael Browne lifelong giver. quality thinker. balanced believer.

    Michael Browne coaches, mentors, leads intercultural and people-development seminars, and blogs for the Huffington Post. He writes on culture, history and business under the nom de plum "O'Brien Browne." [www.omomnetwork.com]

     
  • Annie Kagan
    Annie Kagan Annie Kagan afterlife communicator. awakened sister. imperfection embracer.

    In her new book, The Afterlife of Billy Fingers: How My Bad-Boy Brother Proved to Me There's Life After Death, Dr. Annie Kagan shares the extraordinary story of her after death communications with her brother Billy. [www.anniekagan.com]

     
  • Marc Gafni
    Marc Gafni Marc Gafni public intellectual. social activist. provocative spiritual artist.

    Center for World Spirituality co-founder Marc Gafni is a gentle and provocative spiritual artist and teacher, public intellectual, bestselling author, television personality, social activist and lover of people. [www.ievolve.org]

     
  • Alison Levine
    Alison Levine Alison Levine high climber. responsible risker. philanthropist.

    Alison Levine is a mountaineer, explorer, teacher, and founder of the Climb High Foundation, dedicated to improving the lives of African women by training them to be local guides and porters. [www.alisonlevine.com]

     
  • Nic Askew
    Nic Askew Nic Askew filmmaker. musician. poet.

    Nic Askew makes films. Short, black and white. Far beyond simple. Films that shake the soul. Made for those who have set out to consciously seek a meaningful life. [www.soulbiographies.com]

     
  • Lynn Zavaro
    Lynn Zavaro Lynn Zavaro writer. creator. game maker.

    Lynn Zavaro guides others to know themselves and create the life they want. She's a writer, painter, teacher, and the creator of The Game of You. [www.gameofyou.com]

     
  • Joshua Smith
    Joshua Smith Joshua Smith songwriter. artist. full potentialist.

    Joshua Smith is an Emmy nominated singer and the creator of "Home on the Road," a gathering of stories shared by common folk about where passion and commitment can lead. [www.listentojoshua.com]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • Daniel Pink
    Daniel Pink Daniel Pink author. business provocateur. right-brainer.

    Daniel H. Pink is the best-selling author of four provocative books about the changing world of work. His books have been translated into 32 languages. [www.danpink.com]

     
  • Calleen Cordero
    Calleen Cordero Calleen Cordero designer. artisan. spirit elevator.

    Calleen Cordero brings the Old World art of handmade artisan footwear and accessories back to the United States, elevating the spirit one sole at a time. [www.calleencordero.com]

     
  • John Morton
    John Morton John Morton counselor. spiritual director. do-gooder.

    John Morton is a minister, author, counselor, coach, and the Spiritual Director of several non-profit organizations, including the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness. [www.theblessings.org]

     
  • Helena Collins
    Helena Collins Helena Collins autopilot resister. word worker. possibility exerciser.

    Helena Collins is a multi-award-winning authority on conscious exercise instruction. She's a tireless advocate for those who seek the truth about fitness and want to unlock their hidden human potential. [www.lifeinsynergy.com]

     
  • Mark Samuel
    Mark Samuel Mark Samuel consultant. author. team igniter.

    Author and consultant Mark Samuel, assists individuals and organizations in achieving significant change – measurably improving performance, teamwork, and communication. [www.impaqcorp.com]

     
  • Gabi Ury
    Gabi Ury Gabi Ury doodler. filmmaker. globetrotter.

    Gabi Ury, an eighth grader at the Alexander Dawson School, lives in Colorado. She's a world traveler with passports from three countries. She loves dogs and other animals.

     
  • Mariel Hemingway
    Mariel Hemingway Mariel Hemingway author. actress. health enthusiast.

    Mariel Hemingway is an author and the founder of Mariel's Kitchen, a company she created to help people discover health and happiness by treating themselves well. [www.marielhemingway.com]

     
  • David Hassell
    David Hassell David Hassell entrepreneur. kiteboarder. philosopher.

    David Hassell is a serial entrepreneur presently engaged in launching 15Five, a software company focusing on increasing the relevance and velocity of communication within organizations. [http://about.me/dhassell]

     
  • Claudia Pornaro
    Claudia Pornaro Claudia Pornaro blogger. mother. possibility creator.

    Claudia Pornaro is a mother, blogger, writer, and creator of amazing possibilities – now that she knows what she want to be when she grows up. [www.facebook.com/claudiapornaro]

     
  • Krishna Kaur
    Krishna Kaur Krishna Kaur yogi. philanthropist. dynamic teacher.

    Krishna Kaur is the founder of YOGA for Youth, a program that takes yoga, meditation, and stimulating discussions on the philosophy of yoga to urban youth. [www.yogaforyouth.org]

     
  • Stephanie Parodi
    Stephanie Parodi Stephanie Parodi Singer. Musician. Soulful Songstress.

    Stephanie Parodi is a gifted singer, songwriter, and musician who writes soulful music from the heart. She puts words to feelings that we can all relate to. [www.lifebeyondlimits.com]

     
  • Ethan Greenberg
    Ethan Greenberg Ethan Greenberg life savorer. grandson. routine thrower-outer.

    Ethan Greenberg is a 16-year-old who lives life with curiosity and ambition to find out how he can make his own impact on the world.

     
  • David Irvine
    David Irvine David Irvine greatness inspirer. show-n-tell survivor. self-follower.

    Best-selling author and speaker David Irvine is one of the most respected voices in Canada on authentic leadership, accountability, and organizational culture. His focus is building trusting workplaces that attract and retain greatness. [www.davidirvine.com]

     
  • Vaishali
    Vaishali Vaishali choice advocator. fear extinguisher. transformation guide.

    Vaishali is an international health & wellness speaker who has appeared on The Dr. Oz Radio Show and Oprah.com. Vaishali learned to transform her life from the threat of two terminal disease diagnoses, domestic abuse, and financial devastation. [www.purplev.com/alivehealthy]

     
  • Jason Mraz
    Jason Mraz Jason Mraz musician. songwriter. joy sharer.

    Singer and songwriter Jason Mraz uses his voice to raise our spirits and his fame to raise awareness for charities, including the Free the Slaves organization. [www.JasonMraz.com]

     
  • Amy Jo Martin
    Amy Jo Martin Amy Jo Martin digital humanitarian. why finder. frequent flyer.

    Amy Jo Martin, founder and CEO of Digital Royalty and Digital Royalty University, teaches brands, corporations and individuals to how to measure and monetize their digital universe. [www.digitalroyaltyuniversity.com]

     
  • Eric Lumiere
    Eric Lumiere Eric Lumiere awareness seeker. conscious music maker. helpful exaggerator.

    Singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Lumiere is a Lover of Life and all things, and lives for the upliftment of consciousness everywhere. He is also graduate of Teen Insight. This piece is part of the Insight University and Life By Me week of giving back. [www.givingtuesday.org/insight-university]

     
  • Maia Monasterios
    Maia Monasterios Maia Monasterios compassionate producer. loving daughter. wisdom seeker.

    Maia Monasterios is an award-winning director, producer, and writer of such projects as PBS History Detectives stories including: Vietnam Diary, Titanic Luxury Liner Picture Frame, Clint Black's Rogue Book and The Beatles Autographs. [http://www.indiegogo.com/Vietnam-Veterans-Forgive-and-Heal]

     
  • Lana Bramlette
    Lana Bramlette Lana Bramlette happy mama. adoring wife. golden girl.

    Designer Lana Bramlette is known as the "Queen of Hoops." Her fine gold line, Lana Jewelry, is an unmistakable collection of sexy, streamlined, architectural pieces that stand alone in the contemporary fine jewelry world. [www.lanajewelry.com]

     
  • Guy Finley
    Guy Finley Guy Finley spiritual teacher. truth finder. peace achiever.

    Guy Finley is the best-selling author of more than 40 books and audio albums on self-realization. He is the founder and director of Life of Learning Foundation, a non-profit center for self-study. [www.guyfinley.org]

     
  • Alisha Zalkin
    Alisha Zalkin Alisha Zalkin grounded artist. soulful voice. nana's girl.

    Entertainment Tonight called singer/songwriter Alisha Zalkin "uplifting and inspiring." Her debut EP, March to a Different Beat, features soulful, piano-driven narratives combining her big-voiced inspirations and her multicultural family musical history. [www.alishazmusic.com]

     
  • Nicholas Brown
    Nicholas Brown Nicholas Brown manager. student. joy infuser.

    As a business manager, Nicholas Brown frees artists from the daily responsibility of handling their money, demonstrating trust, integrity, and service as the platform of his business foundation. [www.gsogroup.com]

     
  • Seane Corn
    Seane Corn Seane Corn yoga teacher. humanitarian. voice for social change.

    Seane Corn is an internationally celebrated yoga teacher and humanitarian, the National Yoga Ambassador for YouthAIDS, and cofounder of Off The Mat, Into the World, a leadership-training program. [www.seanecorn.com]

     
  • Tom Hunt
    Tom Hunt Tom Hunt eco-chef. culinary cooperator. good-time server.

    Tom Hunt is a self acclaimed eco-chef and co-founder of Forgotten Feast, working on projects throughout the UK to revive our cooking heritage and help reduce food waste. [www.tomsfeast.com]

     
  • Rob Wensing
    Rob Wensing Rob Wensing strategist. apple expert. simplifier.

    Rob Wensing co-founded Strategy Day, a one-day strategy process for leaders and their core teams that produces team alignment. He's appeared in various media outlets as an expert on Apple. [http://about.me/robwensing]

     
  • Lynda Filler
    Lynda Filler Lynda Filler poet. photographer. lover.

    Lynda Filler is a poet, author, photographer, and would-be public speaker who lives in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She has two published poetry books and is currently working on two memoir/biographies. [www.thelovefix.com]

     
  • Brian Hilliard
    Brian Hilliard Brian Hilliard avid meditator. awareness expander. soulmate.

    Brian Hilliard has developed, managed, and invested in commercial real estate, telecommunications, publishing, and entertainment. Currently, his primary focus is on humanitarian projects and assisting non-profits with fundraising and hands-on participation.

     
  • Elizabeth Jayne Liu
    Elizabeth Jayne Liu Elizabeth Jayne Liu writer. list maker. self challenger.

    Elizabeth Jayne Liu gives herself a weekly challenge every Monday. She fails a lot, but has a great time doing it. [www.flourishinprogress.com]

     
  • Todd Murray
    Todd Murray Todd Murray musical multi-tasker. quest seeker. early starter.

    Todd Murray uses both sides of his brain. He's a professional singer/songwriter and a businessman. He's a documentarian, real-estate owner/manager, co-owner of gvbradio.com, dog lover ... and he cans pickles. [www.ToddMurray.com]

     
  • More

Connection


© 2010-2023 lifebyme.com. All rights reserved. (design by nodethirtythree)