Our business in life is not to succeed, but to continue to fail in good spirits.
Robert Louis StevensonRead
It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.
Interpretation
The forest captivates people not just because of its beauty, but due to the refreshing and renewing quality it offers to those who are weary.
This quote by Robert Louis Stevenson emphasizes that the forest has a profound impact on humanity, drawing us not solely due to its picturesque landscapes but for the unique atmosphere it creates. The 'subtle something' he mentions refers to the revitalizing energy derived from nature, which replenishes tired souls and offers solace and rejuvenation to those who seek refuge in its serene embrace.
In practice
During a nature retreat, sharing this quote can inspire participants to connect deeply with their surroundings.
Our business in life is not to succeed, but to continue to fail in good spirits.
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.
His past was fairly blameless; few men could read the rolls of their life with less apprehension; yet he was humbled to the dust by the many ill things he had done, and raised up again into sober and fearful gratitude by the many he had come so near to doing, yet avoided.
The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions.
It is the history of our kindnesses that alone make this world tolerable. If it were not for that, for the effect of kind words, kind looks, kind letters . . . I should be inclined to think our life a practical jest in the worst possible spirit.
"The earth is so beautiful. We are beautiful also. We can allow ourselves to walk mindfully, touching the earth, our wonderful mother, with each step. We don't need to wish our friends, 'Peace be with you.' Peace is already with them. We only need to help them cultivate the habit of touching peace in each moment."-
Great attention gets paid to rainforests because of the diversity of life there. Diversity in the oceans is even greater.
Sleep, rest of nature, O sleep, most gentle of the divinities, peace of the soul, thou at whose presence care disappears, who soothest hearts wearied with daily employments, and makest them strong again for labour!
Tree limbs rise and fall like the ecstatic arms of those who have submitted to the mystical life. Leaf sounds talk together like poets making fresh metaphors.
My banks they are furnish'd with bees, Whose murmur invites one to sleep.
Look at that sea, girls--all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen. We couldn't enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds.
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