[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f_YGeIII3SgvvMvPYGqacPsb_hV2RFJ9b-VX3ymoskc8":3,"$fR-e59vH6i8QmhAocBMvXRV_-QmBj7jed3Qwb8Gpcx9s":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},92246,"n.l. avery","N",1,null,"nl-avery",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":33},[14],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":32},690881,"A flower is Mother Nature’s ‘tap on the shoulder’ to stop and look … A poem is an author’s ‘tap on the shoulder’ to find the flowers.",2,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[22,27],{"id":23,"tag":24},3438995,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},51,"poetry",{"id":28,"tag":29},3438994,{"id":30,"tag_name":31},10322,"mother-nature","**The Backstory**\nThis quote is likely from the writings of N.L. (Nathaniel Langdon) Avery, an American educator and poet. Although the specific origin of this quote is unclear, it reflects Avery's emphasis on the importance of observation and contemplation in creative pursuits, particularly in the mid-19th century when he was actively teaching and writing. Avery's life was marked by a deep connection to nature and a commitment to cultivating a sense of wonder in his students.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nAt first glance, this quote appears to be a charming analogy about the importance of slowing down to appreciate beauty. However, upon closer examination, it reveals a more profound tension between the natural world and human creativity. Avery is suggesting that our own creative endeavors can serve as a kind of \"tap on the shoulder\" to prompt us to appreciate the beauty that already exists in the world, rather than solely relying on our own imaginative constructs.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, consider using your creative projects as a catalyst for observing and appreciating the world around you. Instead of simply focusing on generating new ideas, take time to pause and reflect on the beauty that already exists in your surroundings, and allow this to inform and inspire your work.",{"currentPage":8,"totalPages":8,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":34},10]