Spoiler Alert: Finding your true sense of self, your passion and what ultimately motivates you and sustains you, may not be what you think it is. It isn’t those moments or sparks of high intensity or interest, a rush of adrenaline like performing in front of a live audience, but rather a collection of seemingly mundane moments that give you vitality and purpose.

For each one of us it's different, but for all of us it invokes an appreciation of the present, a mindful integration of the senses, and a genuine curiosity and openness to not only new experiences but a myriad of emotions. Recently released on Disney+, Pixar’s Soul is a beautiful exploration of mindfulness. The featured character of the story Joe finds his “spark” through mindful integration and exploration of an unlikely and unexpected series of objects: a lollipop, a comb, an old suit, among others.

In stepping into Joe’s lived experience (literally walking in someone else’s shoes), 22 (one of the souls) learns to see the beauty in the world from a different perspective, in the simple pleasures of a cool fall day or a slice of pizza. As the audience, we learn that noticing and appreciating the simple pleasures of life can authentically validate our souls. What are the small moments throughout the day that energize you and provide an unlikely source of inspiration? What are a few simple yet essential items that give you pleasure that you cannot live without. We asked a few of our teachers, parents, volunteers, board members, and professionals and friends to give some examples of what we would like to call “Miraculously Mundane Moments.”

Paula Resnick (TMH Founder and Executive Director) - A mindful moment comes in many shapes and sizes. For me it could be in the lingering of a deep embrace with someone I love or the stopping and pausing to appreciate the twinkle of the sun shimmering on the water. It's my reflection on natural beauty in all of its forms from the brilliant and bright hues of the sky and clouds to the browns and greens of the earth. It's cherishing a silvery moon slivered against a dark sky while feeling the breeze on my goose -bumped skin. It's in taking the moment to notice how joyous I feel when I stop to watch my puppies play in perfect harmony and frivolity!

Benjamin Freeman (TMH Spiritual and Mindfulness Educator) - “In the final season of Schitt’s Creek, Moira Rose says, “Worry is but under-nourished enthusiasm.” If you’ve seen the show, you know that Moira is not the best person to take advice from most of the time, but every once in a while she delivers a gem of real wisdom. I paused the show immediately, wrote it down on a post-it, and have been meditating on it ever since. When I worry, for instance about my music, I try to reframe my thinking: “Is it possible that I’m actually really enthusiastic about this and just haven’t been feeding it properly?” I try to stay alert to these small glimmers of insight - moments when a song, a character in a TV show, a passing moment of overheard conversation, seem to have something to say directly to me.”

Holly Lipton (TMH Parent) - “When one of my children or my husband spontaneously reaches out to hold my hand, or leans their head on my shoulder... it is the simplest gesture but it never gets old. It feels like the most sincere and pure expression of love, and it warms my heart.”

Kim McGarvey (TMH Social Worker) - I find peace and fulfillment in being creative. I can spend hours creating free hand designs on crinkled packing paper or seashells. I also love to cook and feed people that I love. A project can take a day or months but it always brings me joy. Creating and designing actively engages and stills my mind and being at the same time.

Tess McGarvey (TMH Volunteer) - My favorite mindful moments are spent playing my guitar. Whenever I feel gray or uninspired, playing the guitar completely consumes me in the best way and lifts my mood! I can spend hours learning songs without worrying about how they sound or stressing over an off-key chord because I am simply playing them for me and my own happiness. Music is magic

Kim Richter (TMH Administrator) - Reading. I don’t think I have gone one day of my adult life without reading a book. It instantly takes away my anxiety and calms my mind.

McCailey Contreras (TMH Performing Arts Specialist) - My favorite is feeling the sun on my face. I have always enjoyed sitting in the sun, soaking in the heat and light but it took me moving to a cold climate to really appreciate every bit of sunlight. Any time the sun is out I make it a point to face towards the sun and enjoy its warmth and energy. Also, the sound of someone playing a musical instrument outside is one of my favorite things. There was a guy on 91st street who would play his saxophone and all the windows from the apartment buildings surrounding the area would open to let his music flow in. Such a wonderful sound, live music.