Look up, look out

Our self-help culture is insidiously insular. We hardly notice anymore how self-obsessed we’re encouraged to be – how self-absorbed we really are. We’re so bent on improving ourselves that we’re trapped by the navel-gazing that breeds narcissism. 

C.S. Lewis writes, ‘I had not noticed how the humblest, and at the same time most balanced and capacious, minds, praised most, while the cranks, misfits and malcontents praised least... I had not noticed either that just as men spontaneously praise whatever they value, so they spontaneously urge us to join them in praising it: “Isn’t she lovely? Wasn’t it glorious? Don’t you think that magnificent?” The Psalmists, in telling everyone to praise God, are doing what all men do when they speak of what they care about.’ 

Let’s look up to God and out toward others – declaring with our lives the wonders of our Creator. 

Today’s apple: Outside for optimism 

The great outdoors is a well-known stress-reliever and a natural way to ease depression. The more you’re outdoors, the better your mental outlook. Those who walk, bike, or run in nature have a much lower risk of poor mental health than people who work out indoors on the ‘dreadmill’. Evidence also suggests those who exercise outside are more eager to return for future workouts than those who stick to the gym.