This simple advice of Mary Oliver’s is often quoted, and understandably so.  I love how it captures so much in so few words.

Pay attention.  Be mindful.  Be intentional.  Look around you.  Observe the details, they’re often where the greatest everyday joys can be found.  Life is full of beauty and grandeur, we simply need to open our eyes to see it.

Be astonished.  There are amazing things everywhere.  Nature is full of incredible synergies.  The potential of what humans can accomplish is tremendous.  Let yourself gaze in wonder.  Allow your dreams to marvel.  Be curious and you’ll never doubt that life is astounding.

Tell about it.  Share your wonder with others.  Help them to see the exquisiteness of our world.  Get those around you excited, too.

And together we can celebrate the phenomenon of life.

Instructions for living a life:  Pay attention.  Be astonished.  Tell about it.

–-Mary Oliver

Do you have a simple life instruction that inspires you?