59 seconds E-Book

Hans-Jörg Stark

• Herausgeber: epubli
• Kategorie: Ratgeber
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 315

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

This book was created as a byproduct of the Audiostretto 59/4/24 podcast. The podcast sends an inspiring, encouraging impulse of a maximum of 59 seconds every day. Each impulse should be for the mind, in form of a "mental concentrate", what a ristretto is for the body: intense and powerful. The intention for the podcast is for people to be inspired and encouraged by a short impulse every day. These impulses in this book are meant to accompany the readers through the 365 days of each year, in the hope that the impulses will trigger something special. This requires the reader to take out time daily to think about the special things in their lives and, hopefully, discover, savour and appreciate the little things and special features of everyday life. For those who prefer the audio version, the original version of the podcast is still available in both Swiss German and English at www.audiostretto.online.

Leseprobe

1st edition: Januar 2024

Author: Hans-Jörg Stark, Froburgstrasse 24, 4052 BaselCover photo: Tabita Hallauer-ZinggDesign, typesetting and eBook: Nils GroßbachEnglish Translation revised: Louis HolzerProduction: Independently published

ISBN 979-8-835-28892-2

© Hans-Jörg Stark, all rights reserved.

Content

Prefácio

Dedication

Thanksgiving

Biography

Building – January 1st

Comparison – January 2nd

Change – January 3rd

Overcast – January 4th

Ground – January 5th

TV – January 6th

Star – January 7th

Exactly – January 8th

Key – January 9th

Landscapes – January 10th

Cotton Candy – January 11th

Toothpick – January 12th

Investment – January 13th

Fire Department – January 14th

Auricle – January 15th

Open book – January 16th

Big toe – January 17th

White chocolate – January 18th

Playful – January 19th

Chimney – January 20th

Waffles – January 21st

Parrot – January 22nd

Shadow – January 23rd

Congratulations – January 24th

Carbine – January 25th

Corn salad – January 26th

Plug – January 27th

Bottle – January 28th

Rö..sti – January 29th

Baker – January 30th

Woodpecker – January 31st

Composed – February 1st

Social networks – February 2nd

Headphones – February 3rd

Earlier – February 4th

Hedgehog – February 5th

Expiration date – February 6th

Hearsay – February 7th

Highway – February 8th

Glass of water – February 9th

Concentration – February 10th

Bicycle chain – February 11th

Rinse – February 12th

Moon – February 13th

Keyhole 1 – February 14th

Keyhole 2 – February 15th

Camera – February 16th

Logo – February 17th

Straw – February 18th

Patriotism – February 19th

Yoyo – February 20th

Perseverance – February 21st

Tar – February 22nd

Hands – February 23rd

Chicken or Egg – February 24th

Reversi – February 25th

Castle – February 26th

Trust – February 27th

Interval – February 28th

Quarter – March 1st

Hustle – March 2nd

Art – March 3rd

Lovable – March 4th

Spotlight – March 5th

Fantastic – March 6th

Crema – March 7th

Pillar – March 8th

Perfume – March 9th

Badge – March 10th

Direction – March 11th

Pawn – March 12th

Crystal – March 13th

Shapes – March 14th

Gas station – March 15th

Route – March 16th

Beak – March 17th

Circumstances – March 18th

Hygiene – March 19th

Traces – March 20th

Lasagna – March 21st

Team – March 22nd

Water drops – March 23rd

Happiness and blessings – March 24th

Strong Tobacco – March 25th

Coin – March 26th

Road signs – March 27th

Surprise – March 28th

Helicopter – March 29th

Salt – March 30th

Signatures – March 31st

Shoes – April 1st

Cross – April 2nd

Alarm clock – April 3rd

Reminder – April 4th

Concentration – April 5th

Music – April 6th

Cinnamon – April 7th

Spirit level – April 8th

Creation – April 9th

Pride – April 10th

Suppenkaspar 1 – April 11th

Parking space – April 12th

Strength – April 13th

Mirror – April 14th

Change – April 15th

Trust – April 16th

Be careful – April 17th

Capacity as of – April 18th

Exhaust – April 19th

Windmill – April 20th

Toothpick – April 21st

Flame – April 22nd

Question – April 23rd

Carved – April 24th

Disposed – April 25th

Communicated – April 26th

Chocolates – April 27th

Door frame – April 28th

Promise – April 29th

Lamp holder – April 30th

Handle – May 1st

Loyalty – May 2nd

Bridges – May 3rd

Shamrock – May 4th

Blind – May 5th

Togetherness – May 6th

Pearls – May 7th

Mirrored – May 8th

Telegraph – May 9th

Distillation – May 10th

Pavement – May 11th

Peas – May 12th

Theme – May 13th

Colors – May 14th

Prediction – May 15th

Chaos – May 16th

Brush – May 17th

Luxury – May 18th

Beliefs – May 19th

Corners – May 20th

Question mark – May 21st

Moved – May 22nd

Crown – May 23rd

Filter – May 24th

Variety – May 25th

Instinct – May 26th

Viaduct – May 27th

Lament – May 28th

Imagination – May 29th

Drilling rig – May 30th

Gliding – May 31st

Structure – June 1st

Glacier – June 2nd

Seeing – June 3rd

Vinyl 1 – June 4th

Cool – June 5th

Fog – June 6th

Bike – June 7th

Mercy – June 8th

Colors – June 9th

Birthday – June 10th

Sandals – June 11th

Rainbow – June 12th

Jungle Book – June 13th

Kitchen apron – June 14th

Swimming pool – June 15th

Formula 1 – June 16th

Zipper 1 – June 17th

Zipper 2 – June 18th

Easter – June 19th

Coffee Bean – June 20th

Under one hat – June 21st

Encouragement – June 22nd

Banana – June 23rd

Wildflowers – June 24th

Berlin – June 25th

Love – June 26th

Raisins – June 27th

Break – June 28th

Plane – June 29th

Aromat – June 30th

Rose – July 1st

Carbonara – July 2nd

Beetle perspective – July 3rd

E N E – 4th July

Time – July 5th

Crocodile – July 6th

Walls – July 7th

Suppenkaspar 2 – July 8th

Waste – July 9th

Buoyancy – July 10th

Hand Blender – July 11th

Milk – July 12th

Barefoot Park – July 13th

Cork Cones – July 14th

Fried egg – July 15th

Sauerkraut – July 16th

Lamp – July 17th

Toothbrush – July 18th

Cooking pot – July 19th

Beach Ball – July 20th

Marbles – July 21st

Focus – July 22nd

Box 1 – July 23rd

Box 2 – July 24th

Waves – July 25th

Surprise 1 – July 26th

Surprise 2 – July 27th

Number puzzle – July 28th

Happiness 1 – July 29th

Happiness 2 – July 30th

Happiness 3 – July 31st

Unhappiness – August 1st

Lucky – August 2nd

Ice cream – August 3rd

Volcano – August 4th

Alarm clock – August 5th

Rake – August 6th

Needle – August 7th

Everything flows – August 8th

Gutter – August 9th

Fireplace – August 10th

Cloud – August 11th

Engine – August 12th

Calculator – August 13th

Lollipop – August 14th

Ruler – August 15th

Flower – August 16th

Wind – August 17th

Mouth – August 18th

Road signs – August 19th

Lighter – August 20th

Moon landing – August 21st

Infinite – August 22nd

Papyrus – August 23rd

Nature – August 24th

Special – August 25th

Tire – August 26th

Star – August 27th

Watercolor – August 28th

Parking – August 29th

Biathlon – August 30th

Bubbles – August 31st

Zucchini – September 1st

Abundance – September 2nd

Silence – September 3rd

Espresso machine – September 4th

Waiting time – September 5th

Traffic 1 – September 6th

Traffic 2 – September 7th

Sweet – September 8th

Piano – September 9th

Falling – September 10th

Dance – September 11th

Goldfish – September 12th

E-Scooter – September 13th

Water Swells – September 14th

Smarties – September 15th

Reduced – September 16th

Early delivery – September 17th

Soft Toy – September 18th

Nail – September 19th

Catenary – September 20th

Domino – September 21st

Ear of corn – September 22nd

Window – September 23rd

Hurricane – September 24th

Aquarium – September 25th

Beard – September 26th

Crane – September 27th

Chess – September 28th

Lightbulb – September 29th

Lego – September 30th

Justice – October 1st

Joggers – October 2nd

Free sample – October 3rd

Traffic Jam – October 4th

Tights – October 5th

Kneading – October 6th

Cigarettes – October 7th

Language – October 8th

Stumbling – October 9th

Entry – October 10th

Drum – October 11th

Lane change – October 12th

Blue light – October 13th

Animals – October 14th

Sound – October 15th

Easter egg – October 16th

Organic – October 17th

Berries – October 18th

Mushrooms – October 19th

Crossword – October 20th

Hot Stone – October 21st

Speechless – October 22nd

Vinyl 2 – October 23rd

Bottle opener – October 24th

Industrial Zone – October 25th

Clef – October 26th

Yawn – October 27th

Thermos mug – October 28th

Magnifying Glass – October 29th

Bathing – October 30th

Wallet – October 31st

Washcloth – November 1st

Actor – November 2nd

Windshield Wipers – November 3rd

Pen – November 4th

Carpet – November 5th

License plate – November 6th

Wire grid – November 7th

6 minutes – November 8th

Steak House – November 9th

Seed – November 10th

Announcement – November 11th

Radio – November 12th

Gullible – November 13th

Hairy – November 14th

Plug – November 15th

Fairytale – November 16th

Coffee – November 17th

Cherries – November 18th

Leader – November 19th

Release – November 20th

Coal – November 21st

Tolerance – November 22nd

Fitness – November 23rd

Palm – November 24th

Insignificant – November 25th

Curtain – November 26th

Satellite dish – November 27th

Pendant – November 28th

Distracted – November 29th

Coffee Grinder – November 30th

Whisper – December 1st

Storybook – December 2nd

Above the clouds – December 3rd

Match – December 4th

Road – December 5th

Rubber boots – December 6th

See – December 7th

Candle – December 8th

Newspaper – December 9th

Vase – December 10th

Bunny Ears – December 11th

Talking – December 12th

Tunnel – December 13th

Whale – December 14th

Slope – December 15th

Get to know someone – December 16th

Heterogeneous – December 17th

Screw – December 18th

Lined – December 19th

Lost – December 20th

Overall – December 21st

Mobility – December 22nd

Knowledge – December 23rd

Waistband – December 24th

Towers – December 25th

Traffic light – December 26th

Carefree – December 27th

Tobacco pipe – December 28th

HotDog – December 29th

Noise – December 30th

Ring – December 31st

Prefácio

This book was created as a byproduct of the Audiostretto 59/4/24 podcast. The podcast sends an inspiring, encouraging impulse of a maximum of 59 seconds every day. Each impulse should be for the mind, in form of a “mental concentrate”, what a ristretto is for the body: intense and powerful. The intention for the podcast is for people to be inspired and encouraged by a short impulse every day. These impulses in this book are meant to accompany the readers through the 365 days of each year, in the hope that the impulses will trigger something special. This requires the reader to take out time daily to think about the special things in their lives and, hopefully, discover, savour and appreciate the little things and special features of everyday life. There are placeholders at regular intervals on individual pages, which allows the reader to record their own thoughts in writing. For those who prefer the audio version, the original version of the podcast is still available in both Swiss German and English at www.audiostretto.online.

The author wishes all readers good inspiration – and an extraordinary day!

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my 18-year-old son, Dimitri, who died in a skiing accident, just 10 days after I returned home from two completely unexpected emergency surgeries at the beginning of 2021. Not a day goes by on which I don't think about him. As long as I'm still here on this side of life, I'll always miss him. I will also love to dedicate this book to my mother. She had a very special relationship with Dimitri. She was truly my support system during those difficult times and I was impressed by how much strength she had.

Thanksgiving

Firstly, I want to thank Nicole, who was always there when I wasn't feeling well after the serious health procedures. She sent me a blessing via voice message every day for 40 days. That was my definitive reason to start the podcast, Audiostretto 59/4/24 (see foreword). So, thank you Nicole – this book wouldn’t exist without you! Lastly, I would also like to thank everyone who encouraged me and still encourages me to keep going. Stephanie, Norman, Beth, Marco, Johanna and Willy immediately come to mind. Thank you! You all are my heroes in this regard and I owe you a lot.

Biography

Hans-Jörg Stark lives in Basel. As a trained engineer he worked in the private sector and administration for almost 20 years. In between he lectured at a technical college for twelve years. He currently works at the The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport. He has been involved in the Protestant Reformed regional church for around 40 years. He is a fan of FC Basel (when they win) and enjoys spending time in nature. Like many other men, he has a weakness for electronic gadgets, especially for those of the American provider with the bitten apple logo, and he likes travelling by train and riding his bike. In other words, he is like you and me.

Building – January 1st

When we talk about construction, we might just put it like this: I'm building a building. One thing is clear: the goal is the building, and the path to get there; the one that still lies ahead of me, or that I am on, is construction. In English you can use the same word for both aspects – the goal and the process of reaching the goal. For example, you say, “I am building a building”. Keep in mind I said the same word twice: “building”. To me, it sounds like I haven't reached my goal until the building is finished. But being part of the construction process, even as the building is not yet ready for habitation, is quite exciting and it just gives me the strength to keep going. It already exists, and I am already part of the building process. I wish that this perspective and encouragement will help you in other areas of your life where you are currently investing energy and time, and perhaps your finances as well.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Comparison – January 2nd

Recently, I was in a situation where I got an offer. I was actually very happy with securing the offer and having it completed – until I found out that someone else was getting better value for almost the same thing. I found it interesting what this did to me internally: a sudden feeling of dissatisfaction or perhaps, envy, or the feeling of being ripped off. At the time, nothing changed at all in the original offer, which I found to be acceptable without hesitation. Comparison is always like a curse, it sounds like that nasty voice that makes you believe that someone else is doing better, or an injustice is happening to you. Not only does it cause unnecessary and unfounded dissatisfaction, it also sows distrust, resentment and everything else that does not promote a good relationship. If you feel the same way about a situation, help yourself by choosing to be content with what you actively said yes to, regardless of whether others seem to have it better. You are guaranteed to be more relaxed and happier with it.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Change – January 3rd

It is often said that we live in a time of rapid change, and these changes and developments that have taken place in recent years would have taken decades or longer in previous times. Or the fact that behaviors are changing significantly, for example at work: where someone would spend their entire working life in one company, but today, temporary jobs for skilled workers are much more attractive because these people are so sought after – but often only for a certain time – that you can choose the best option at very short notice. But what does the best option mean? What does “best” mean? I think there's a lot about this best option that isn't necessarily measurable. For me, it's more of an overall impression: do I feel comfortable and valued? Can I be who I am here and still fulfill what I was created to do and be received with gratitude? Do I matter and make a difference as a person? Lastly, does it really matter on whether I am there or whether it’s someone else? Maybe there are other factors for you. Either way, I hope you can choose your life circumstances so that they are best fit for you. If not, then I wish you can change these circumstances for the best and excel in it.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Overcast – January 4th

Depending on the time of year, a beautiful layer of fog lies over a meadow or a river in the morning, which then dissipates as the day progresses. These are wonderful views. It means that the meteorological conditions allow something that is there to become visible for a certain period of time – depending on a certain amount of moisture. In the same manner, our circumstances continuously make things that are within us visible to ourselves and those around us. How we think, feel, etc. In some cases, our influence on the conditions, which make what is inside of us visible, is very limited. But in inconspicuous times, we can pay close attention to what we cultivate within ourselves in terms of thoughts, attitudes, etc. In these times, we let mature that which becomes visible and perceptible in exposed times. Or to use the well-known saying: “You will recognize them by their fruits.”

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Ground – January 5th

If you like coffee, just like me, then you know that a good coffee is one that is freshly ground. It simply means that the beans have been roasted well and professionally beforehand – but ideally, they are only ground immediately before preparation. Of course, you can also prepare coffee with powder from beans that have been ground a long time ago. But the loss of quality in the taste is always noticeable. On the other hand, roasted beans can be stored for a fairly long time under uncomplicated conditions until they are ground to make coffee. I believe that in our lives, situations and experiences are always given to us in advance – like the roasted beans, which will later serve as raw material in a specific situation so that we can have good thoughts, give good answers, or remain silent to simply behave in a way that promotes life and to turn the mill on for the final product. I wish you such refreshing experiences today!

Let this be an extraordinary day!

TV – January 6th

People still talk about television even till this day, but it is no longer what it originally used to be. It's actually called TV – television. Translated from Greek it means – precisely – distant view. Strange, because the opposite actually happens: it's a close-up view of images that come from a distance, such as the transmitter. The television used to only show black and white images, then color, and today, there are images or films in three dimensions. But something still remains: the limited view. The device, no matter how big the monitor is, has its limits, which are very abrupt ones. Sometimes, our view is very limited – whether we look at the present or our biography or make plans for the future. It can help if we are aware of this. It saves us from disappointment, or simply shows us our own limitations. James puts it this way in his letter in the 4th chapter: you should rather say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” Yes, I think he hit the nail on the head in that letter. Relieving and being realistic.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Star – January 7th

During this time of long nights, many of us hang up stars: as paper cutouts, origami or even ones that glow. We long for light these days. It's good for us, especially in the dark of the night. When we draw stars, they usually have corners as an expression of their radiance. Stars also represent excellence, and an example can be seen in football, in the Champions League. or the circle of 12 stars on the European flag. They stand for the values of unity, solidarity and harmony amongst European citizens or maybe more for the longing for it. And because most of what we long for are beyond our reach, we talk about reaching for the stars. In the last book of the Bible, the Revelation of John, Jesus is referred to as the Morning Star. The morning star is the star that rises before sunrise. He announces the day. Therefore, the morning star is a picture of Jesus, who brings light to each of us. I like this perspective, I hope you do too.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Exactly – January 8th

Did you know that precision and accuracy are not the same thing? Precision is when, for example, you always hit very close to the same place when shooting at a target. You’re not necessarily hitting the target and you may be far from the goal. Accuracy on the other hand is when your attempts go either side of the target, but they’re scattered. Ideally, you will hit precisely and accurately. Sometimes we are very obsessed with precision, even in statements, thoughts and what we expect from others – we can be very consistent and still far from the goal or the truth. Others may not be as precise in their statements, or even more vague, less catchy, but everything they say is the overall statement of the truth. Perhaps, this comparison or distinction will help you today in conversations where there are – or seem to be – different points of view. Maybe some are very precise, but not exact – or vice versa.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Key – January 9th

You've probably had to press a key before – on your computer, at an ATM or on another electronic device. In German, we use a term that has entered the language relatively recently. So, I was wondering where the German term comes from, because it obviously can't be that old and it is only used in the context of electronic devices like keyboards. The German term refers to touching something. It occurred to me that touch has to do with feeling, sensing. In English, in contrast, this term is called “a key”. I like both terms in the sense that as a key, they give access to something – a text or number entry or a confirmation. How much in our lives are only indirectly accessible that we need the so-called “keys” to access: language, for example, to the heart of the other person, a way to meet someone, etc. Be aware today how many such “keys” you have in your life. Life has been given to us in so many situations and I appreciate it in a whole new way.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Landscapes – January 10th

As a player on a football field, you want the terrain to be as flat as possible without any unevenness. Then you’re able to play the ball optimally without stumbling, and the passes arrive. But this no longer works when there are bumps and it becomes unpredictable, which is annoying for many people. In our lives today, especially we in the West, often take this for granted: everything should and must work the way we plan it, imagine it, and expect it. But alas, things don't work out that way, something thwarts our plans, the unexpected happens, etc. How do you behave then? If you blame the circumstances, you only get annoyed. In addition to the small everyday imperfections, do you see the much greater success level of things that work even though they don't? For example, the fact that your heart is beating without you being able to do anything about it, or that there is enough oxygen to breathe, etc. Do you see more of the small hills or the large plain?

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Cotton Candy – January 11th

When we were kids, we sometimes had cotton candy at the fair. I liked it very much. Not because of the taste, but because as soon as you put it in your mouth, it disappears. I found that fascinating. I think there are things in life that we like to have, but in the end, they have no substance. They taste delicious for a short time, but they don’t last. In my opinion, such moments should exist, but not just those. We also need more nutritious ones. I mean the ones we have to chew on, but ultimately nourish us and help us move forward. I invite you to take a few minutes of your time today and think about a thought or statement from someone that has already made you study or think or pushed your logic to the limit. But please don't say anything negative about yourself! If you don't have enough material for this, then look up the Proverbs which are in the middle of the Bible and read until you get stuck on a saying that challenges you. When you do, endeavor to pay attention to what comes from it.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Toothpick – January 12th

Depending on the position of your teeth and the food you eat, you might be happy to have a toothpick to remove any remaining food residue from between your teeth. It feels better afterwards and is also more hygienic, because no or fewer harmful bacteria will be able to form. It's similar with our thinking. We process various things that we absorb during the day – and certain residues remain, sometimes they are unpleasant. And if we don't take care of them, they can poison or at least attack our thinking. Therefore, mental toothpicks are also appropriate here. For example, in the form of the question “Does dwelling on these thoughts or experiences serve me for the good or do I tend to develop (even) more negative feelings and thoughts?” Or is this attitude or opinion more important to me than the relationship with the person who thinks differently or has a different attitude? Thought hygiene is important, both in the short and long-term.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Investment – January 13th

Have you ever noticed that in nature, for example, seeds can be used either to plant a new generation so the seeds are invested, or be consumed as food? In both cases the seeds are no longer present, but serve a different purpose exclusively. This means I cannot plant and eat the same seed. One is an investment without immediate benefit, while the other is a timely satisfaction of needs. Both have their time. I can't just invest and sow all the time – I'll starve if I do so. But if I consume everything, then I will have nothing left for the future. It takes wisdom to find the right balance. If you find yourself in a similar situation today, for example, with your time budget – i.e. time investment in someone else or a project etc. versus time for yourself, to enjoy – then I wish you a lot of wisdom and a conscious decision for one and against the other.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Fire Department – January 14th

I suspect that men and boys are particularly fascinated by fire engines. There is so much equipment that can be used in case of a possible incident – be it a fire, a flood or a wasp nest. However, the fact is that the equipment must be maintained regularly and its use must be practiced beforehand to ensure that the equipment is functional and can be used correctly in case of any emergency. We have to be prepared for life's emergencies, therefore, what applies to the fire department also applies to us. There are smaller and larger strokes of fate. Either way, we need tools, strategies, practiced and trained behaviors to become resilient. Jesus says that if you believe His words and act on them, you will be prepared for life's crises and will emerge steadfast. Have you ever experienced this and can you learn from it and make yourself more resilient for the future?

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Auricle – January 15th

Our auricle is fascinating. It serves as a funnel-shaped organ to capture sound waves and forward them to the eardrum, while also having an amplifying effect. In addition, it is able to determine the location of the sound source, so that we can know where what we hear is coming from. So, there are three consecutive processes involved: the perception of the sound in general, its reinforcement, and the location of the sound-source. Clever piece and clever designer! So, we hear without having to specifically align ourselves! Things are completely different with the eyes and vision, for example! We cannot see what happens behind us with our eyes, but we can hear with our ears. We are also able to filter out familiar sounds from a mixture of different sound sources – for example, the voice of a familiar person from a variety of voices. This also works internally if we practice it: recognizing which thoughts and impulses come from which source: a good or bad one. Today, consciously perceive this in your inner dialogues.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Open book – January 16th

I still belong to the generation that grew up with books. I like books. I don't always read the same quantity of books; sometimes more, and other times less. But I like books. There is something homely about them, like a fire place. A book – when it is closed – has something mysterious for me. I can only understand its content when I open it. An open book, on the other hand, sends a different message than a closed one. Extroverted and open people are also compared to open books. I have certain books that are very precious to me because I associate them with certain experiences or phases of my life. Do you also know such objects that are like a mirror of your soul? A book, you think, is materially nothing more than paper. Nevertheless, it can tell entire life stories – whether open or closed. My wish for you is that you become an exciting or beautiful story for someone today, one that they would like to have on their bedside table before they go to sleep.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Big toe – January 17th

Your toes are largely responsible for ensuring that you are balanced, that you can stand, and walk well. The big toe is the most important of all. When it is in contact with the ground, it signals to the body that you are in balance. When your foot leaves the ground, it supports the cushioning. Of course, I don't always think about it when I'm on the move or standing. But given that my toes allow me so much mobility, I don't think I value them enough. You would only notice this when something is wrong. A broken toe, for example, can severely affect your mobility. I think our mind does something similar. It keeps our soul in balance and if we don't take care of it and nourish it, we won't be well. Our mind also keeps us internally balanced. Hence, the reason for the popular saying, “a healthy mind is a healthy body.” Do you care for and nourish your spirit? Do you even know it and it’s needs?

Let this be an extraordinary day!

White chocolate – January 18th

White chocolate sounds like a contradiction. Because chocolate or cocoa is actually brown. The only thing that is left out in its production is the cocoa mass. Instead cocoa butter is used. That means it is chocolate after all, even though it is white. Sometimes, in our lives, things can appear similar: something may not seem real to us on the outside, but its essence is real. We may judge someone's action as dishonest or hypocritical – but the person still does it with pure and good intentions. Or vice versa: we act friendly – but there is something different in our hearts or thoughts. This can also be the case in our everyday lives, in public transport, in the kitchen, or in the stairwell, etc. As with white chocolate, it depends on the nature of, words and actions. Am I doing the things I’m doing with a pure heart or am I faking it? Therefore, don't let yourself be guided by how you are perceived, but by how you are on the inside.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Playful – January 19th

During my studies, we used to play the game “Tetris” on our calculators, which at the time were completely programmable and had a multi-line display. It works like this: different shaped pieces fall down from the top of the screen. As a player, you have to turn and push them as they fall so that they fit into gaps at the bottom as best as possible. If this is successful and a plane is filled with such particles from right to left, the row dissolves and creates space for new particles. If this doesn't work, the particles stack up and when they reach the top of the screen, the game is over. There are a lot of things that come up in our everyday lives; information, feedback, praise, criticism, worries, fears, etc. If we cannot classify these well, they grow quickly and make us emotionally and mentally overwhelmed – then it becomes game over. Do you take enough time to process this so that there is room for new things? Withdrawal, silence, a good conversation or prayer can help you with this.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Chimney – January 20th

I suspect that the huge industrial chimneys are used to release the harmful gases emitted during production as high up in the air as possible in order to contaminate the air as little as possible. This works if there is not too much emission and enough wind. But if there is too little wind and too many such emissions, bad air is created, which can lead to respiratory diseases and infections. There is no truly perfect solution to this problem without sacrificing costs in the form of reduced production or investments in filters or similar systems. In this sense, sometimes we humans need to let off steam. When we are alone, this is more tolerable for the environment than when we are in the midst of people. Do you have any means to help you minimize these emissions? Maybe certain filters such as forgiveness, love or conscious acceptance of others' or your own weaknesses? Maybe investing in your mental and spiritual hygiene is worth it. This serves you and the environment.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Waffles – January 21st

In German waffles and guns are in written form only separated by a simple ‘l’. So, almost 84% are identical, while 16% are different. But in reality, waffles have nothing in common with weapons. We live in a time where many things are viewed as very similar. This is also true in the area of religion: It doesn't really matter whether you believe in God or are a Buddhist, an Islamist, a Jew and so on. This reminds me of the waffle example. As a Christian, I believe that I can gain access to heaven and eternal life through Jesus alone, because he simply offers and gives it to me without me asking anything in return. I think that's more than a 16% difference to other religions in which I have to struggle and still can’t be sure whether it's enough for paradise or in which I have to be born again and again in order to improve. Such a difference, which may be small for some, nevertheless has a far-reaching effect. At least in eternity. And that is a long time...

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Parrot – January 22nd

Today, we are going to be talking about the parrot. It is a very special bird and, in addition to its splendid colors, it impresses with its ability to speak and imitate noises. This is what makes it so fascinating for us humans, almost like a counterpart, which creates the possibility of seemingly being able to talk to him. It owes this ability mainly to his large tongue. Talking to a parrot can be fascinating. But it is still not a real replacement for an authentic counterpart. Then I thought about what you can do with your tongue – how you can even appear deceptively real. That's why I encourage you today that what you say is real to the person you're talking to and not just an imitation.

Let this be an extraordinary day!

Shadow – January 23rd