Transcendence: elevation and lightness
How do we bring a sense of lightness into the dense and solid structure of our world?
Pete Nelson, the exuberant star of the show Treehouse Masters, brings master craftsmanship to unique treehouses around the world. He encourages us to come face to face with WHY treehouses hold such sway over our imaginations.
Treehouses tend to be OUT in the woods and they stand UP in the treetops away from the civilized world. The treehouse symbolizes freedom, connection with nature, safety, and whimsy.
The elevation makes the experience feel magical and joy-filled.
“Transcendence detaches us from the world, lofting us up above the currents and eddies of our routines. Yet paradoxically, instead of distancing us from what we care about, it seems to bring us closer. Closer to others, closer to what feels truly important, closer, even to…ourselves.” (page 216)
Whether we are talking about a hot-air balloon ride, a lofted bed in a dorm room, a hightop table in a collaboration space, a tree house in the woods, star gazing, or hanging enos in my backyard… we are looking for ways to provide transcendence that allow for reflection and bring JOY.
On any given night there can be up to 5 or 6 enos hanging in my backyard. Neighbor kids bring theirs over and they literally “hang out”. I did not realize the draw for this activity until reading the chapter on transcendence. I am not suggesting everyone hangs an eno in their classroom or office, but I will say that I have seen it done on numerous occasions.
So I leave you with this…
How can we bring lightness into your workplace leading to JOY?
“Transcendence.” Joyful: the Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness, by Ingrid Fetell Lee, Little, Brown Spark, 2018, pp. 189 – 216.
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