Happy Tuesday! And happy first day of fall  With the Autumn Equinox here, I felt it was a fitting time to pause, reflect, and notice what's being carried into a new season. Below are four quotes from our community that made me stop and think. They're from past Tuesday Spotlight notes. I hope they may offer something meaningful to you, too.

- Amanda

I invited ten people in our community to share an example of their own practice of a “reverse activity” -- intentionally doing something in a way that is a little less automatic, efficient, or convenient, and noticing what happens. Maybe it provides the chance to truly connect with someone, or to become more mindful and present, or remain still and hear a message within the quiet.  Maybe in the "detour" something interesting happens. I compiled the ten responses and what they discovered along the way. I loved reading and sitting with these, one by one, and considering what making small shifts or stepping outside the usual pattern may open a door to. 

~Amanda

Question for Charlie:  

What is a surprising way your priorities have changed over time? Was there a particular experience that led you to see what mattered most differently?

Question for Max:  

Can you think of a setback, disappointment, or detour that surprised you by becoming a source of growth, clarity, or opportunity? When did you begin to see it differently?

Question for Alex:  

What is a surprising way your priorities have changed over time? Was there a particular experience that led you to see what mattered most differently?

Question for Peter:  

Has there been a recent experience that unexpectedly altered your definition of success, fulfillment, or a life well lived? What about it caught you off guard?

Question for Matt:  

Can you describe a meaningful experience from the past month that unexpectedly led you to reflect on family, legacy, and the ways joy shows up in your life?

Question for Mike:  

Is there someone in your life that has UNEXPECTEDLY shaped your way of viewing the world, humanity, or the challenges you face?  What happened in the process to turn “unexpected” into extraordinary for you? How do you carry that influence today?

Question for Ryan: 

Is there a specific song, lyric, or music genre that is particularly meaningful and moving for you—perhaps in a way you didn’t expect? What is it, and how has it had an impact?

Question for Julie:  

Is there someone in your life that has UNEXPECTEDLY shaped your way of viewing the world, humanity, or the challenges you face?  What happened in the process to turn “unexpected” into extraordinary for you? How do you carry that influence today?

Happy Tuesday! I've been reading through past Spotlights this week and pausing along the way to reflect on a few excerpts. I'm sharing a small handful of quotes below, along with a link to the CFC website where you can explore the full library of pieces if you wish! 

- Amanda

Question for Benji: 

 Have you ever been to a place you UNEXPECTEDLY felt truly aligned with your spirit?  Where initially perhaps you didn’t sense you would feel at home but surprisingly either quickly or across time you felt a deep sense of home, belonging, and harmony with its landscape, people, and/or energy in some way?  What was the surprise?

Question for Charlotte: 

Has your idea of what happiness means or looks like changed UNEXPECTEDLY as you've grown older?  Would you share that truth or perspective with your younger self if you could?

The following reflections come from a recent interview with Rudy,

with excerpts thoughtfully curated by his friend Deepa Iyer.

~Amanda

Question for Bill:  

What is one thing that is small and perhaps nuanced or surprising and perhaps typically subconscious that you can tell drives you each day?

Question for Laurie:  

Is there a specific song, lyric, or music genre that is particularly meaningful and moving for you—perhaps in a way you didn’t expect? What is it, and how has it had an impact?

Question for Bob:  

Is there someone in your life that has UNEXPECTEDLY shaped your way of viewing the world, humanity, or the challenges you face?  What happened in the process to turn “unexpected” into extraordinary for you? How do you carry that influence today?