I am back on the “Island of Gods,” Bali

Remember the bond between the "Navi" people and their enormous tree from James Cameron's "Avatar" movie?

This fictional tale isn’t too far-fetched from this real natural wonder.

You will probably not believe me when I tell you how big and old it is but more in my new section of hidden gems, The Almanac Obscura

I am a big believer in the power of nature to inspire people, that is why I love photography

From AI computers to the way we build planes, houses, or even the intricate designs of renewable energy systems like solar panels and wind turbines, nature's genius is everywhere.

It's in the way a leaf's structure can inspire more efficient water collection systems, or how the aerodynamics of a bird can lead to more sustainable transportation solutions.

Nature is not just a source of beauty and wonder; it is the ultimate engineer.

Let's keep finding inspiration in nature's never-ending ingenuity because it holds the answers to a better future in its patterns and processes.

We call this biomimicry.

So I asked myself, How can the wisdom of nature's designs inspire not just our physical creations but also the way we cultivate our minds and lives?

“Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

9 Unique Ideas for Finding Creative Inspiration in Nature

It seems like insanity is running rampant everywhere.

A quick glance at the daily newspaper can be enough to ruin your day. Every day.

Extremist views are now accepted as the norm, and common sense is very rare. If we let our minds wander, we can easily end up in a place of hopelessness, dispair, or even death.

But does it have to be that way?

I don´t think so. No matter how screwed up things seem to be, we always have a personal choice to focus elsewhere. And this isn´t putting your head in the sand while hoping for the best. On the contrary, it is doing what is within our personal reach and possibility to make things at least slightly better.

A continuous journey back to light

Just yesterday, I found myself ensnared in a web of despair so thick that it seemed insurmountable.

My mental state had become so clouded with negativity and self-doubt that the idea of creating something as straightforward as a newsletter seemed impossible in that moment.

A stupid mental hole I fall into sometimes.

It wasn't until I disciplined myself with morning exercise and immersed myself in the creative process that I was able to get back on track.

This contrast between ups and downs is something all of us experience to some degree.

I think Tony Robbins calls it the “crazy eight.”

So I came up with a few lifelines or ideas that have helped me recover composure faster when things fall apart.

1) Everything is cyclical. Whenever you see the sun, the ocean or just about anything, remember the cyclical nature of things.

If you are feeling down and depressed, remember that it is part of the cycle.

It will pass.

Your mission is just to endure, wait for the sun to go up and increase your resilience while doing so.

That’s all.

2) Everything is exactly as it should be. Touch a leaf or a flower and look at it. Go closer and smell it.

How perfect on a scale of 1 to 10 is it ?

The same goes for you.

Acceptance, however, does not mean being unwilling to improve. It just means to accept the present moment as it is and understand reality

So love yourself more and don´t let external events prevent you from doing so.

3) Being Mode vs. Doing Mode. Many things just are, like electricity, which means that it is okay for you to just BE

Doing mode is great, but there is a time and place for everything

I will always remember the first sentence of the personality test we once did as part of business coaching for my former company, Nano Depot. It started like this:

Roman, you need to relax.

4) Bring some rhythm to life. Listen to the whispers of the wind and the birds more often.

Each breeze and birdsong carries a story, a rhythm, and a melody.

Allow these natural harmonies to guide your thoughts and ideas, leading you to a place of calm and inspiration.

Walk through the woods, swim in the lake and shower your body with the sounds of nature.

You can literally measure the instant-calming effects of just walking in the woods.

5) Constant change. Remember when we watched the clouds and their ever-changing forms as kids?

They're a reminder that transformation is a constant part of life and creativity yet a lot of us have trouble accepting change and clinging to things and people, unwilling to let go.

Is there a way you could welcome change into your life instead of resisting it?

6) Go with the flow. Spend time by the water, whether it's a river, lake, or ocean.

Water has a unique ability to soothe.

Observe its movements, and let the flow influence your creative process, reminding you of the importance of flexibility in thought and action.

As a photographer, I also love water for its ability to bring movement and mirror effects into my photos; they become more interesting and inspire me even more.

I love reflection pools. Be like water

7) All Connected 100% Take a walk in the forest and notice the interconnectedness of everything.

The way trees communicate through their roots and the symbiotic relationships among flora and fauna can inspire ideas about community, support, and collaboration in your own life.

Remember that you are not alone; you are part of everything!

8) Your mind is a universe. Gaze at the stars and consider the vastness of the universe.

This perspective can make our biggest problems seem insignificant, freeing up mental space for creativity and wonder.

What new ideas come to mind when you think about the infinite possibilities out there?

Did you know that you have as many neurons in your brain as there are stars in the Milky Way?

It is insane!

9) Your ultimate skill is adaptation. Observe the animals and their behaviors. Each species has adapted in unique ways to survive and thrive.

What can you learn from their resilience, their habits, and the simplicity of their existence that could spark a new idea or solve a problem in your life?

Are you standing in your own way, making things more complicated as well ?

Because I do it all the time 🤷🏼‍♂️

To find inspiration in nature, one does not need to be a photographer.

By integrating these nature-inspired practices into your life, you not only enrich your personal and spiritual journey but also tap into a wellspring of creativity that is as boundless and diverse as the natural world itself.

Remember, inspiration is all around us, and nature is one of our most generous sources.

So let´s connect to the source more often.

THE ALMANACK OBSCURA

The “Avatar” Tree (Wisata Kayu Putih) is also called Giant Kapok Tree 

Kayu Putih, meaning "White Wood" in Indonesian, is the name of an enormous, ancient tree located in the village of Bayan in central Bali.

Locals claim the tree is 700 years old, which would put it in the infant stage two centuries before the Americas were even discovered.

It stands at over 60 meters in height and an estimated 15 meters in circumference.

Isn´t that crazy ?

@romanlbinder

Still fascinated by this tree 😍 #hugetree

What species is this?

While some refer to it as a banyan tree, Kayu Putih is likely a Kapok tree (scientific name: Ficus albipila).

This uncommon species towers above a small, local Balinese temple near its base.

How much is the entrance?

There is no entrance fee, though small donations are welcomed to help maintain the site.

There is a temple area at the foot of the tree, and the whole village basically takes part in the daily caretaking and worship of this spiritual site.

So please be respectful of the religious significance this giant tree holds for locals.

How do I get there?

Driving from Ubud or Canggu, this natural wonder is about an hour north in Bali's Tabanan Regency. You can easily get there with a scooter or hire a driver to explore the Kayu Putih tree and other nearby attractions like Taman Ayun Temple or the Sangeh Monkey Forest.

With its remote location and mystical aura, you’ll feel transported to another world at the base of this ancient Balinese treasure.

It really is special; next to the tree there is a beautiful small restaurant with ridiculously cheap and delicious food you cannot miss either!

Download images as screensaver for free here

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