The air of ideas is the only air worth breathing.
—Edith Wharton
Many moons ago, I would “vlog” on Fridays.
Something about Fridays seemed to call for a fresh start—a day to reset before the weekend begins. I didn’t want to hoist any “baggage” from the week into my family’s weekend.
I also wanted to refresh my “beingness”—spirit, soul, and body.
So today, I thought I’d reinstate that practice, only this time, here at Heartlift Central.
Air Worth Breathing
Words seem to be a primary way of refreshing my soul.
Recently, while researching quotes on conversations, I found this remarkable quote from Edith Wharton:
The air of ideas is the only air worth breathing.
I can’t stop thinking about it.
After watching the video, I have one question for you:
“What is a space you feel holds air worth breathing? It could be a bookstore, a dinner table filled with friends, a walk in the woods…”1
Helpful Practices of Renewal and Refreshment
I mention two specific practices in today’s video:
Lectio Divina. Here is a little primer I created just for you. Lectio Divina is a powerful meditative practice in my life.
The Daily Examen. In Stronger Every Day: Nine Tools for an Emotionally Healthy You, I recreated St. Ignatius's spiritual practice for my readers. I also teach more about this practice on the podcast.
Happy Weekend, Heartlifter! I can’t wait to hear which spaces, places, and faces held “air worth breathing” for you this week.
Thank you to my older daughter, Candace, for this question.
Air Worth Breathing