Don't just live the length of your life - live the width of it as well.
Diane AckermanRead
Look at your feet. You are standing in the sky. When we think of the sky, we tend to look up, but the sky actually begins at the earth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of grounding oneself in the present while recognizing the vast possibilities ahead.
Diane Ackerman's quote invites us to reflect on our current circumstances, symbolized by 'looking at your feet,' while acknowledging that our potential and aspirations, represented by 'the sky,' are rooted in the reality of our existence. It challenges the notion that one must always look upwards to achieve greatness, proposing instead that the foundation of our dreams starts from where we stand.
Themes
PresentPotentialAspirationGroundingDreams
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to encourage students to appreciate their current situation while dreaming big.
More from Diane Ackerman
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We ogle plants and animals up close on television, the Internet and in the movies. We may not worship the animals we see, but we still regard them as necessary physical and spiritual companions. Technological nature can't completely satisfy that yearning.
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Because IQ tests favor memory skills and logic, overlooking artistic creativity, insight, resiliency, emotional reserves, sensory gifts, and life experience, they can't really predict success, let alone satisfaction.
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American writer_x000D_ _x000D_ 1803-1882_x000D_ _x000D_ Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.
Diane AckermanRead
In rare moments of deep play, we can lay aside our sense of self, shed time's continuum, ignore pain, and sit quietly in the absolute present, watching the world's ordinary miracles. No mind or heart hobbles. No analyzing or explaining. No questing for logic. No promises. No goals. No relationships. No worry. One is completely open to whatever drama may unfold.
Diane AckermanRead
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