I think I was a little bit spoiled by where I grew up. It set an unrealistic standard for other places to live up to. I'm from Colorado, and the mountains were something I could experience by looking West, or taking a short drive.

To me, mountains feel like home. They don't seem dramatic, and they don't inspire awe. They're familiar, in a good way. I wouldn't say I take them for granted so much that I can't see that they're beautiful, but I have to remind myself to enjoy the view.

I didn't think that there were mountains that could give me that sense of awe that other people often experience when they see mountains.

Fortunately, I was wrong. It turns out that just switching things up a bit changes everything. If mountains are shaped differently, or with different trees, then I get that sense of having a fresh experience. 

I think it's really interesting that we can simply mix things up a bit to dislodge ourselves from that autopilot that keeps us from being fully present. Now I deliberately move and change things to help my brain tune back into the present moment. To embrace what Buddhists call "the beginners mind". 

What do you do to tune in and be present? I'd love to hear how you remind yourself to see the every day beauty around you.

*typos and other errors provided for your entertainment.