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Today’s Miracle Moment Is About Finding Your Happy Place…
Have you ever noticed how just a few minutes in nature can completely shift your mood?
Maybe it’s watching the sun sink into the horizon over the ocean. Sitting beneath a canopy of trees. Walking barefoot through the grass. Or simply pausing to breathe deeply in your favorite outdoor spot.
There’s something profoundly healing about spending time in the places that make your soul exhale.
I call these places your Happy Place.
For me, one of those places is the beautiful island of Maui.
Every time I visit, I feel myself soften. The lush gardens, fragrant plumeria blossoms, brilliant hibiscus flowers, sparkling blue ocean, majestic waterfalls, and unforgettable sunsets all seem to whisper the same message:
“Slow down. Breathe. Remember who you are.”
As if to reinforce the point, the home where I’m staying is filled with little signs that say, “Find Your Happy Place.” Even the street is named Luana Place—Hawaiian for happy.
It couldn’t be a more perfect reminder.
Why Nature Makes You Feel So Good
While beautiful places naturally nourish the soul, there’s also fascinating science explaining why we feel so much better when we spend time outdoors.
Here are just a few reasons nature is one of the greatest happiness boosters available:
Water Helps Calm the Mind
Whether you’re walking beside the ocean, a river, or a peaceful lake, the air around moving water contains higher levels of negative ions, which research suggests may help reduce stress, improve mood, and leave you feeling more refreshed.
Getting Your Hands in the Dirt Can Lift Your Spirits
If you love gardening, you’re doing more than growing flowers.
Healthy soil contains beneficial microorganisms that researchers have linked to improved mood and emotional well-being. Sometimes happiness really does begin from the ground up.
Trees Help You Breathe More Deeply
Walking through a forest or local park naturally encourages slower breathing and helps you soak in fresh oxygen while giving your nervous system a chance to settle.
No wonder so many of us feel lighter after a walk among the trees.
Sunlight Supports Better Sleep and Better Moods
Natural sunlight plays an important role in regulating serotonin and melatonin—two hormones that influence your mood, energy, and sleep cycles.
Sometimes the best prescription for feeling better is simply stepping outside.
Your Mind Needs to Learn How to Receive the Good
Here’s the part that many people miss.
Being in your Happy Place is wonderful.
But it’s only half of the equation.
The other half is allowing yourself to truly receive the experience.
One of my favorite teachers, Dr. Rick Hanson, explains it beautifully:
“The brain is like Velcro for negative experiences, but Teflon for positive ones.”
Our minds naturally hold onto disappointments, worries, and stressful moments while letting joyful experiences slip away almost unnoticed.
That’s why he encourages us to take in the good.
Instead of rushing through a beautiful sunset or a peaceful walk, pause.
Notice the colors.
Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.
Listen to the birds.
Take a deep breath.
Allow yourself to savor the moment for at least 20 to 30 seconds.
That simple practice gives your brain enough time to begin encoding the positive experience, gradually strengthening neural pathways associated with joy, gratitude, and well-being.
In other words, you’re literally rewiring your brain for greater happiness.
Your Happy Place Can Travel With You
The beautiful thing is that your Happy Place doesn’t have to stay in one location.
The more often you consciously absorb feelings of peace, wonder, gratitude, and joy, the easier it becomes to access those emotions wherever you are.
Eventually, your inner state becomes less dependent on your surroundings.
Nature simply reminds you of what already lives within you.
This Week’s Miracle Moment
This week, I invite you to visit a place in nature that fills your heart.
It doesn’t have to be a tropical island.
It could be a neighborhood park, your backyard, a favorite hiking trail, a quiet beach, a botanical garden, or even a peaceful spot beneath your favorite tree.
When you get there:
- Pause for at least 20–30 seconds.
- Notice the colors, sounds, scents, and textures around you.
- Feel your feet connecting with the earth.
- Let the breeze touch your skin.
- Breathe deeply.
- Most importantly, allow yourself to truly take in how good it feels.
Don’t simply observe the beauty.
Receive it.
The more often you practice taking in the good, the more naturally happiness begins to arise from within.
As author Mary Davis so beautifully wrote:
“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.”
I’d Love to Hear From You
Where is your Happy Place?
Is it a beach, the mountains, a forest trail, your own garden, or somewhere completely unexpected?
Share your Happy Place in the comments below. I’d love to hear where you go to reconnect with yourself and what makes that place so special.
My happy place is sitting by my Lake listening to the sounds around me and seeing all the beauty surrounding me. relaxing and being at peace knowing that my Angels are all around me
That sounds so peaceful and divine, Catherine!
My happy is anywhere near the ocean, and especially aqua blue water with white sand.
tusti26470@gmail.com
Hi Marci! Thanks for your work. I appreciate you and all you do to help others! My happy place is Lake Chapala. It’s the largest lake in Mexico and where I live – at lakeside in the city of Chapala, Jalisco.
You’re welcome, Amie! It’s sounds wonderful to live by the lake. More miracles to you!
A walk in nature
Starts the river rush of Love, my Inner River of Peace
Flowing through me every time.
Thank you, Candace Newman.
Wow! Such a beautiful way to express what a walk in nature can do. Thank you for sharing that, Candace!
Hi Nancy! I agree, to be by the ocean is always such a special treat.
I am a waterfall chaser and do many hikes to waterfalls….and i particularly love those where I can immerse myself at the bottom and lie on my back and feel the spray on my face. Magical moments ✨️ 💛
Ah! Such a magical moment indeed. Thanks for sharing this peaceful and serene moment that’s your happy place. I can feel the calm and joy just by the description. Wish you more such miraculous moments!
A home facing an Ocean with many plantsproviding shades,green grass and all types of birds on the compound.
Country/spiritual music all times from the back ground.
My happy place is hiking the Red Rocks in Sedona.
The scenery is breathtaking and I always relax when I am there every couple of years.
That must be mesmerizing, Lissa! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Hi Marci,
My happy moment is sitting u Der a tree listening to the birds chirping and I whistle back to have a conversation with the birds. Also sitting playing my Ukulele under the trees.
My happy place, Marci is with people I love and sitting in the car looking at ocean or the Indian River in Florida.
That’s beautiful, Barbara! Thanks for sharing it with us. More miracles to you.
I find my peace and happiness after having run my half marathon race. I always feel happy and fulfilled.
Henry.
That’s amazing, Henry! Thank you for inspiring the rest of us. Much love!
Walking to the river, not driving causing pollution.
That’s a beautiful way of honoring the nature too, Charley!
I am blessed with an amazingly happy place right outside my back door. We live in a very wooded neighborhood and I have bird feeders set out for hummingbirds, orioles, and the myriad of other song birds that enjoy the wooded yard. Their songs are nearly deafening at dawn, but persist throughout the day and into the evening hours.
Wow! That sounds beautiful, Jim! Such intimate connection to nature is incredible.
YES THAT SOUNDS SO PEACEFUL AND DIVINE.
This makes me wish to live much longer.
Henry Moloi
That’s an incredible wish, and I wish you live those years in the Miracle Zone, Henry!
My windows look out on a palm forest and the trees seem to talk to me and tell me that they are happy.
I am super lucky.
Thanks for your wonderful work.
Divine love,
Margot
You’re super lucky, indeed, Margot! Thanks for sharing your happy place with us.
My happy place is sitting on the beach watching and listening to the waves while the birds sing in the background and my little dog digs in the sand. I love nature and everything it is including the silence that allows clear thinking and being in the moment
Love that for you, Kristopher! Being in rhythm with nature alongside your furry friend sounds divine, and I totally agree with the sense of being in the present and clarity of thoughts such moments bring!
A home facing an Ocean with many plantsproviding shades,green grass and all types of birds on the compound.
Country/spiritual music all times from the back ground.
Thank you, Marci! I am going to Cape Cod from July 14-early Sept. and that is my happy place–either sitting on a rock on the beach gazing at the ocean or on a bench on the bikepath where I bike or walk and taking in the beauty and writing a poem there. I usually take at least a one mile walk every day but alas, it is 100 degrees out these days so I’m allowing my eyes to feast on the greens of the trees glowing in the wind and on butterflies and birds flying by and on the flowering plants in my house. Much love to you and everyone, Clare
That sounds wonderful, Clare! Stay hydrated while you take in the beautiful nature around you. Much love to you too!
This makes me wish to live much longer.
Henry Moloi
Truth is the key to God
Truth is the key to Good
Truth is the way to Peace
Truth is the way to Love
You have shown us the Way
The way to live life sweet
I like poems and poetry
Come share with me these lines
And let us be merry in Nature
For only in embracing Nature
Will Nature our beings nurture
And preserve our golden Future.
Victorious Vincent.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem with us, Vincent. More miracles to you!
I’m in a magical place at the moment. The air is pure, plenty of trees, a river and like minded people. I’m enjoying every minute of it until Friday. It feels really good.
That’s awesome, Maurice! Take it all in, so you can travel to this feeling and place by closing your eyes whenever you need to ground yourself through your happy place.
Being home with my pets, working in the garden, laying on the lawn, and taking walks on the back trails. Listening and watching the chickadees feed their babies in the bird house close by.
My happy place is the beach close to me in Florida, walking barefoot in the beautiful white quartz cool sand, with the sandpipers, the sea gulls, smelling the Gulf of Mexico air. Wading in the sparkling water like diamonds from the sun and watching the glorious sunset with oranges, purples, golden sky. Glorious!!! My happy place!!!!
Thank you for transporting me to your happy place with your words, Rhoda. It feels like a joyous place to be at and get in touch with the nature!
I find my peace and happiness after having run my half marathon race. I always feel happy and fulfilled.
Henry.
Every morning at about 6:30 I take my dog for a walk on the beach – and I take in the sun, the water, the sound of the waves, the seagulls, the breezes, my feet in the sand and then I can laugh at her antics as she splashes in the waves trying to catch them – she is always on leash so there are times I get wetter than I anticipated but then along with all the senses I get to feel the water as well. I am so blessed to have this as my happy place every morning – I get to greet the regulars on the way as we walk – it’s truly a sensory, feeling time – and more than 20 seconds we are blessed with all of this for at least 45 minutes.
It’s wonderful that you get to experience your happy place every day, Maureen! You’re truly living a miraculous life. Much love!
My happy place is when I drop my personality and find my eternal self.
Wow! Beautifully said, Glen.
More miracles to you!
Excellent! Thanks for the reminder!!
So glad you found it insightful, Evelyn!
Marci, thank you for Finding your Happy Place. My backyard at night is my happy place. I live in the middle of a city and yet I get to experience fireflies blinking their language at each other. It feels fairy-like as if they are inviting me to make a wish.
Looks like you have created a wonderful oasis for yourself in the city, Colleen. Enjoy!
I live near a walking trail in the mountains where every evening there is an awe inspiring sunset. Every day it’s different, and magnificent in its own way. What a gift to savor. The birds, the plants swaying in the breeze, the sun bringing its magic to the color of the clouds. Truly feeds my soul.
Aww! To experience miraculous sunsets every day is such a dream, Cindy! It must truly be gratifying to call such a place your home.
I’m lucky enough to have a getaway place at the beach!!! Specifically Laguna Niguel with a 3 minute drive to the ocean for walks, lunch and what have you. The water feeds my soul. I instantly feel different with the 1st ocean breeze on my face.
I live in the mountains which is not for me; and I understand why my husband chooses to be there close to his office.
So I’m beyond grateful and happy to pick up and go when I need to reel myself back in and ground myself with my toes in the sand. xo
I can truly understand when you say that the water feeds your soul! It’s always refreshing to be by the ocean and take in and experience the expansive natural beauty.
Visited my place today
Together with my husband
After he’s surgery he today manges to walk down to the sea
Our favorite Crouse chip passed us and two weeks from now we are going to take a cruise too…!!
Have a wonderful time on the cruise, Birgitta! More miracles to you and your husband.
Just completed 96 mile West Highland Way (Scotland) and am now savouring the beauty of heavy rain droplets on ferns , wet mossy rocks, lichen trees, heather moorlands , glens ,meadows full of wild orchards foxgloves, and wetlands with bog asphodels and cascading waterfalls streams down the soaring mountains, and then the only remaining Caledonian pinewoods and so much more 😎❤️🌲
Wow! Thank you for taking us on a scenic journey just by your words, Grazyna! Your adventure sounds so exciting. Wish you more such beautiful adventures.
My happy place is Bermagui on the the far south coast of NSW east coast Australia. Pristine oceans and coastline where you can walk alone without seeing others foot prints. Often there are dolphins, whales and sea eagles. I lived there for 7 years and return every year for a top up. Heaven on Earth!
Definitely sounds like a heaven on Earth, Robyn! Thank you for sharing it with us.
HI Marcy,
My happy place is at a nearby rapid flowing stream. I hear the water racing over the stones, with birds singing in the trees. The air is clear and colors are vibrant and alive! I touch the water and connect with the earth. It’s my divine place that I charish.
Ahh! To enjoy the sounds of nature and connect with Mother Earth is indeed precious, Betsy.
YEP – MY DREAM PLACE TOO…..alas I need such dreams to be realized. Lost hubby and still in state of being “cast away”
Don’t sleep. brain is mush and heart aches.
Dear Maya, 🙌 I am sending you long distance reiki and prayers for healing and dissolving of the trauma of loosing a spouse. May you soon step into the New You filled with muc Light, Love, Joy, and Peace. 🙏 I pray that you be abundantly blessed in all aspects of your life going forward. So Thank you God.🙌
Sending you peace and healing energy. 🙏🏼
Hi Maya,
It’s understandable, but nature can be healing. Take your time, and when you’re ready, venture out to a place in nature that you might like to explore or find peaceful. Much love!
I am most happy either in the audiences or working back stage with live theater productions. There is a hush with lights down/curtain up as the audience draws together in one collective experience. I’ve been working or volunteering for many years after moving to a magical place…Ashland, Oregon. I get miracles, sometimes just little ones, and also big ones every time I am in town. Actually, this whole area is my happy place. Also, I have the honor of creating floral designs with flowers I can pick from the splendid gardens that surround a hospice care facility. My hope is that people might notice, and even for a few seconds, see a happy place in the beauty of the flowers.
Love that for you, Daisy! I like your concept of the whole area being your happy place. You are truly living in the miracle zone. More miracles to you.
I especially enjoy the picture of you snd Sergio. Very good energy together.
My happy place is primarily by the ocean; as well as in my own home with its gardens, pets, friends and family.
Thank you, Dahana!
My favorite happy place at the moment is on my backyard deck which is partially shaded by a gigantic River Birch. As I look up into the swaying limbs and leaves, experiencing the gentle breezes, sunshine and clouds, the cares of the world melt and dissolve. There in the Present Moment I have no worries and I am at peace.
That sounds wonderful, Catherine! Yes, the power of one’s happy place is to bring our attention to the present moment and enjoy it. Glad you’re able to experience it in your backyard. Enjoy!
My happy place is by a pristine lake that I am blessed to live on. I find such joy sitting under my favorite tree that I named Joy as I feel such happiness and connection to nature, the sparkling water, and all the ducks, geese, and many birds singing. This is where I call my happy place.
Wow! You’re so lucky to have a lake house where you can instantly connect with nature, Jeanne! And what a wonderful way to make nature your friend by naming your happy place. I bet Joy brings you a smile as you sit by it and take in the fabulous view you have shared with us. Thank you!
I’m spending time in my vegetable and multiple flower gardens. The hollyhocks are starting to bloom and the raspberries are getting ripe!! Abundance all around! Feeling blessed with miracles. Thank you Marci!!
The abundance of gardening is such a joyous feeling, Patty! Wish you an amazing harvest season.
How timely! I have been going to the beach this week early in the morning and it has been SO serene! In Ayurveda, we teach that the 3 “S” senses soothe the mind: sound, smell, and sight. I enjoyed it all this morning: the sound of the waves, the smell of the salt air, and the sight of sand and sea!
Thank you for sharing the three senses with us, Betsy! It’s such a great way to take in the present moment when we’re in our happy place.
My happy place is nature, especially mountains, the ocean, hiking trails, music, my garden and sitting on my back porch.
Sounds so adventurous yet calming, Mary! Much love.
My happy place is by the ocean however I can’t get out there often. So as an alternative, when there is a cool breeze I really savor it by closing my eyes and feeling it on my skin and breathe it in. During summer, any time there is a cool breeze it’s just heaven and I take special delight in it. I also love letting cold water run on my wrists during warm weather…it’s a heavenly feeling. Those are small beach alternatives I’ve found. Sometimes it’s just the little things, right?
Hi Bonnie,
I love the fact that you visualize your happy space in such small alternative ways. It’s such a good exercise to experience the joy and peace that your happy place brings to you. Thank you for sharing this great idea with us.
Much love!
Express deep gratitude for light you shine upon world Much love Shellie S
Thank you so much for those kind words, Shellie!
My Happy Place is in my saltwater pool, swimming with my dog. We call my backyard “Palm Island”, even though I have no Palm Trees! It has a calming energy and gives peace to me and my friends who visit.
Marci,
Wow! We are leaving for Maui Saturday! What a great reminder for us to really take it in! Thank you so much!
🌺❤️😘
Cathy
Oh! That’s wonderful news, Cathy. I hope you have a beautiful, miraculous stay.
My happy place is digging one of my 9 perennial gardens, freeing the plants from weeds and grass. And then basking in their glory in the late afternoon sunshine on my deck looking at God’s amazing beauty surrounding me.
That sounds delightful, Sheila! Love that your gardens are your happy place. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Good morning – my happy place is on a hike on the mountains. I just came from a 4 day hike in the Cederberg (Western Cape, South Africa) and it was magical. My soul is fed!!!
That’s incredible, Brigette! I love that you describe this experience as soul-filling. That’s truly miraculous!
Aloha Marci – I am SO Happy that you are staying just around the corner from where I live on Kupulau Drive. All you say about Maui is why I’ve so Gratefully thrived here for almost 40 years. You are the Best ‘poster child’ for Maui! (We’ve met at Pali’s…) EnJoy your time here and I hope we meet again soon. Bonnie Newman known as ‘The Singing Realtor’
Hi Bonnie! Thank you for your kind words. How incredibly lucky you are to experience Maui’s beauty every day. More miracles to you!
My happy place is my gardens . They are not large but I have designed them with shades of green, orange, red, purple, periwinkle , and various pinks with white. I can sit on my lanai and enjoy the breeze and the gardens, and know the ocean is at the bottom of the hill. So much vitality all around!
Thank you for asking the question!! It’s fun to read the replies.
That sounds beautiful, Paula! Thanks for sharing your picturesque, happy place with us. I can just imagine how sweet those moments on your lanai, taking in all this view, would be. Much love!
My happy place is my backyard it’s a beach and seawall area I love ❤️ to walk as much as I can ! Being there brings me back to normal ! And my flinch’s singing at 5am bring me joy ! To start the day ! I feel blessed 😇
Love that a place so dear to you can bring such a profound change, Charmaine! And what a great way to kickstart the day. Thanks for sharing your happy places with us. Much love!
Hi Marci, I loved this video. My happy place is whenever I am in Tokyo because I love the city vibes, the shrines, taking day trips to surrounding towns, and also to hang out with Japanese friends that have become lien family to me. When I am not in Tokyo, I love to go to Palomar Mountain State Park or to any forest since it allows me to connect with nature and take a nice hike. After watching your video, I will make sure to go to the forest and connect with nature.
Balcony at Laguna Beach at sundown listening and watching the waves come in.