Why notice “the tiniest things” for inspiration

10 Feb Why notice “the tiniest things” for inspiration

Here’s why … inspiration!

So many photos of “tiny things” at my website.

Poet Rainer Maria Rilke gave me perspective.

This quote by poet Rainer Maria Rilke touched me deeply.

“And so it is that most people have no idea how beautiful the world is and how much magnificence is revealed in the tiniest things, in some flower, in a stone, in tree bark, or in a birch leaf. The grown-ups, going about their business and worries, and tormenting themselves with all kinds of details, gradually lose the perspective for these riches that children, when they are attentive and good, soon notice and love with their whole heart. And yet the greatest beauty would be achieved if everyone remained in this regard always like attentive and good children, simple and pious in sensitivities, and if people did not lose the capacity for taking pleasure as intensely in a birch leaf or a peacock’s feather or the wing of a hooded crow as in a mighty mountain or a splendid palace. What is small is not small in itself, just as that which is great is not—great. A great and eternal beauty passes through the whole world, and it is distributed fairly over that which is small and that which is large; for in such important and essential matters, no injustice is to be found on earth.”​

Rainer Maria Rilke, Austrian poet. He lived from 1875 to 1926.

Photos of details around us (“the tiniest things”)

After I read it, I thought: “That is why my WalkAshland website is full of ‘the tiniest things’ – like a flower, a stone, tree bark or a leaf.”

I want to help other people (and myself) SEE and APPRECIATE this simple, ordinary magnificence that is around us every day. 

Poem about Creativity

I recently wrote this poem about the creativity happening all around us (and hopefully within us) every day.

Lush Creativity 

Everywhere you look (with fresh eyes), there are waves of lush creativity. 

Nature’s autumn colors are lighting up like fireworks all around.

Pumpkins are being baked (in pies, YUM), sipped (in lattes) and carved (in endless unique family styles). 

Ashland Growers Market is bursting with fall flavors from fabulous farmers, bold bakers and clever chefs. 

Ashland’s art scene + music scene + theater scene – all are bubbling with enthusiasm and joy.     

Let’s not just applaud creativity around us. Let’s ride the wave — yes, be the wave — to be uplifted, as we uplift others.

Peter Finkle