Have you ever looked at a painting, heard a song or watched a scene in a movie and suddenly felt an emotional shift?

A pause. A memory. A sense that life is larger and more meaningful than the endless stream of tasks, worries and headlines.

I recently posted an article about how our brains react to inspiring art and music. What intrigued me is that researchers found our brains actually produce certain waves when we experience deep inspiration and meaning.

Interestingly, the brain does not react instantly. It takes a moment or two for us to absorb the deeper meaning behind what we are seeing or hearing. That quiet moment of reflection may be far more important than we realise.

Writing the article also brought back many memories for me.

Some of you know that after my teaching career, I became an artist and later managed an art gallery. Being Dutch, I have always loved Vincent Van Gogh’s work. Years ago, I even saw one of his self portraits at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

There is also a beautiful Don McLean “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” video included with the article that still moves me every time I hear it. I once heard Don McLean sing it live at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda and it was unforgettable.

What I especially loved in this article is the reminder that what we focus on shapes our experience of life.

The brain tends to focus intensely on things we strongly love and also on things we strongly dislike. Social media knows this well. Outrage keeps attention locked in place.

That means we need to become more intentional about what we surround ourselves with.

Music that uplifts you. Artwork that calms you. Poetry that reminds you who you are. Photographs connected to meaningful memories. These things quietly shape the atmosphere of the mind.

Read the article and watch the moving video here

One simple idea I shared in the article is to deliberately surround yourself with inspiring images, music and reminders connected to the direction you want your life to move toward.

We become shaped by what repeatedly captures our attention.

Perhaps that is why beauty matters so much. It gently pulls the mind upward.

Explore the surprising science behind inspiration

You are also creating a work of art every day through your choices, your kindness, your words and the way you respond to life.

Small moments matter more than we think.

I hope this article inspires you as much as it inspired me in writing it.

View and share some of these earlier emails

See you again soon.

P.S.

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