Such a beautiful post, Stephanie and your retreat looks like a dream. Thrilled for you! And thank you so much for the very kind words and shout out. You're totally an illuminator with a generous heart. ❤️ Very grateful to have connected with you and look forward to an IRL meet up some day. I need to read Brooks' book! I wonder if he says anything about learning to illuminate more as we age. It seems that when we're young, we're still trying so hard to figure out who we are that we're less likely to take a minute and put a spotlight on someone else. Perhaps as we age and grow more comfortable in our own skins, we slow down, and see all the bright beings around us? I'll have to read the book and find out. In his new book, David Sedaris says that when he was kid, he went to a book signing for one of his favorite authors and the author didn't even look up or acknowledge young David. So now, at his own book signings, Sedaris takes time to connect with every fan. He asks them questions and draws a little sketch in each book. I just went to see him live and he even had a box of chocolates on the table to offer to fans. I love that about him. ❤️
Oh my gosh, Lyndsay in the comments had a similar thought. David Brooks hasn't talked about the age and wisdom thing specifically yet but I do think there's something to this idea. We grow so much mentally and have this different sense of awareness of ourselves and others as we age and experience life and its hardships. I LOVE David Sedaris and this story makes me love him even more! I believe I read he also doesn't enjoy doing promotions or doing readings in front of people so his decision to be more personable with his fans makes this even better! I plan on taking the trip up to LA by train with my kids to see my old friend in downtown soon. We will need to make a trip to see you in that same go!
I recently listened to David Brooks on Kate Bowler’s podcast. He talked about this and the art of really getting to know (see) someone. For me, the older I get the less tolerance I have for small talk & gossip. I crave meaning - deeper conversations. I think that naturally brings us towards illuminating one another.
I need to check that out! I was at a networking event last night and it was a lot for me to do small talk! Next time I go to one I’m going to write down more meaningful questions
I love this, Stephanie! I didn't know about Illuminators and Diminishers, but I am going to start paying attention to my own behavior. I like the idea of all of us illuminating one another. ❤️
Hi Jenna! When you think about it, it’s interesting to see who in your life is one or the other. And then also start thinking about who we are and what we used to be too! Because we are also changing and growing
Thank you so much for the shout out, Stephanie! I love this idea of illuminators! I aspire to it. :) Wonderful piece...you're definitely illuminating. ;)
The yoga retreat looks devine Stephanie! I'm glad you enjoyed it 😊
I think I'm on the same page as you as to whether I'm an illuminator or a diminisher. I've grown to be more of an illuminator as I've grown and matured but I probably did have diminisher tendancies in my late teens and early twenties which sounds awful to admit now! I wonder if most of us have the same experience? Although I also imagine some people never grow into illuminators. I'm definitely adding the book to my reading list ☺️
Hi Lyndsay! I had similar thoughts too. I talked to some friends about this and I think we all have matured so much with age and experience however I do know some people who I think are trapped in their diminisher thoughts. The good thing is this book gives hope... we can all learn it but you just have to be open to it. I’m in the beginning of the book and I hope it keeps enlightening me!
Such a beautiful post, Stephanie and your retreat looks like a dream. Thrilled for you! And thank you so much for the very kind words and shout out. You're totally an illuminator with a generous heart. ❤️ Very grateful to have connected with you and look forward to an IRL meet up some day. I need to read Brooks' book! I wonder if he says anything about learning to illuminate more as we age. It seems that when we're young, we're still trying so hard to figure out who we are that we're less likely to take a minute and put a spotlight on someone else. Perhaps as we age and grow more comfortable in our own skins, we slow down, and see all the bright beings around us? I'll have to read the book and find out. In his new book, David Sedaris says that when he was kid, he went to a book signing for one of his favorite authors and the author didn't even look up or acknowledge young David. So now, at his own book signings, Sedaris takes time to connect with every fan. He asks them questions and draws a little sketch in each book. I just went to see him live and he even had a box of chocolates on the table to offer to fans. I love that about him. ❤️
Oh my gosh, Lyndsay in the comments had a similar thought. David Brooks hasn't talked about the age and wisdom thing specifically yet but I do think there's something to this idea. We grow so much mentally and have this different sense of awareness of ourselves and others as we age and experience life and its hardships. I LOVE David Sedaris and this story makes me love him even more! I believe I read he also doesn't enjoy doing promotions or doing readings in front of people so his decision to be more personable with his fans makes this even better! I plan on taking the trip up to LA by train with my kids to see my old friend in downtown soon. We will need to make a trip to see you in that same go!
Yes!! Please let me know when you’ll be in town and I’ll come meet you. ❤️❤️Excited to meet the kids too.
I recently listened to David Brooks on Kate Bowler’s podcast. He talked about this and the art of really getting to know (see) someone. For me, the older I get the less tolerance I have for small talk & gossip. I crave meaning - deeper conversations. I think that naturally brings us towards illuminating one another.
I enjoyed reading this, Stephanie! ✨
I need to check that out! I was at a networking event last night and it was a lot for me to do small talk! Next time I go to one I’m going to write down more meaningful questions
I like that - good idea!
The small talk just exhausts me 😟
I love this, Stephanie! I didn't know about Illuminators and Diminishers, but I am going to start paying attention to my own behavior. I like the idea of all of us illuminating one another. ❤️
Hi Jenna! When you think about it, it’s interesting to see who in your life is one or the other. And then also start thinking about who we are and what we used to be too! Because we are also changing and growing
Thank you so much for the shout out, Stephanie! I love this idea of illuminators! I aspire to it. :) Wonderful piece...you're definitely illuminating. ;)
Thank you, Julia. I aspire to illuminate, too. I think it's always a practice and work in progress.
Jealous of your retreat! Thanks for including my piece :)
You’re welcome! You should come to a future retreat!!! It’s a dream!
The yoga retreat looks devine Stephanie! I'm glad you enjoyed it 😊
I think I'm on the same page as you as to whether I'm an illuminator or a diminisher. I've grown to be more of an illuminator as I've grown and matured but I probably did have diminisher tendancies in my late teens and early twenties which sounds awful to admit now! I wonder if most of us have the same experience? Although I also imagine some people never grow into illuminators. I'm definitely adding the book to my reading list ☺️
Thanks for a thought-provoking post! X
Hi Lyndsay! I had similar thoughts too. I talked to some friends about this and I think we all have matured so much with age and experience however I do know some people who I think are trapped in their diminisher thoughts. The good thing is this book gives hope... we can all learn it but you just have to be open to it. I’m in the beginning of the book and I hope it keeps enlightening me!