What a wonderful life I’ve had. I only wish I‘d realized it sooner.
Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (1873-1954)
French author and woman of letters.
Author of the 1944 novella Gigi
“I find this quote so moving, partially because of my stage of life and realizing what a wonderful life I’ve had. I too wish that I had been more aware of that over the years. Now I’m aware of it all the time due in part by the A.W.E. practice that I do. I’m constantly looking for things to be in awe of. And that brings that quote to life for me.”
Jake Eagle, LPC is a psychotherapist and mindfulness instructor
He is co-author with Michael Amster, M.D. of
The Power of Awe: Overcome Burnout
& Anxiety, Ease Chronic Pain, Find Clarity
& Purpose―In Less Than 1 Minute Per Day
There are two ways to live, you can live as if nothing is a miracle, or you can live as if everything is a miracle, the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) Theoretical physicist
“I think about how, prior to Jake and I studying and researching the power of awe, I was already very mindful from my spiritual practice and my experiences of life that we have a choice of how we live our lives and how we choose to see things. As a physician and a pain specialist I work, in particular, with many who are truly suffering and struggling. Although they didn’t necessarily choose their circumstances, they do have a lot of power in how to choose, how to perceive and react to what life has given them. I’ve gone through my own challenges in my own life and can definitely say that I have learned much through this quote regarding how I choose to see my life every day. Am I a victim? Or, do I live as someone who sees all of what life has given me as miraculous, as beautiful, as an opportunity for growth, even in the hard times? I can choose to be open to amazement and wonder. I’ve just turned 50 and I’m thrilled for this next chapter of my life to cultivate a deeper appreciation of the miracle of being alive.”
Michael Amster, M.D. is a physician
and pain management specialist.
He is co-author with Jake Eagle of
The Power of Awe: Overcome Burnout
& Anxiety, Ease Chronic Pain, Find Clarity
& Purpose―In Less Than 1 Minute Per Day
