"Open your eyes! Open your heart!"

[Dan Kelly]

This little movie is On Topic in so many ways that I can't make myself label it OT.

Mostly, I just wanted to share it -- but will gratefully hear, from any of you, if you'd care to say, how you think it relates to Golf Course Architecture (beard pulling not required!):

https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?feature=player_embedded&v=nj2ofrX7jAk

Dan

[Colin Macqueen]

Dan, This is a prayer! Beautiful piece as far as I am concerned. For this perfervid Scot the more of this notion that is pushed my way the better it is for my equanimity.
And for sure just as each day is a gift so each time I set foot on a golf course I know I am blessed and setting out on an adventure!. Nice one.

Thanks and cheers, Colin

[Jason Topp]

Hideous island green in the picture of the city.

[Dan Kelly]

Hideous island green in the picture of the city.

Maybe so -- but it'd be fun to play to, from one of the rooftops!

[Peter Pallotta]

Thanks, Dan.

I can't get enough of reminders like those.

As you noted on another thread, the fault (if we must use that word) lies not in our stars but in ourselves.

I have to admit that, for me, any philosophy of life that doesn't recognize this fault/fall, or -- to put it as kindly and generously as that wise man did -- that doesn't remind us that we need to cultivate gratefulness, misses some fundamental truth about human existence, at least as I have experienced it.

Architects - you don't need to do very much at all. Just give us an arena (one of many many such arenas in life) that makes it just a tad easier to experience a state of mind/being that is akin to gratefulness.  That is a great gift.

Thanks again, Dan.

Peter  

P.S. That's a good place to stop, don't you think? I find it puts much into proper perspective.

Adios

 

[Cameron DeVries]

      Thanks, this is a beautiful piece.  For me, this is a reminder to stay on point - or rather focus on the important things.  When it's time to get up in the morning, we can only do so much.  It's easy to get caught up in anxiety and stress when your mind is on everything but the moment as it is - finances, family, future...and we all get caught up now and then - but how good does it feel when we remember to appreciate what is happening right now?  And how unique our experience is in this moment?  The lives we each have are distinct opportunities and if one's priorities are placed right they will bring something special to the lives of others.   
     
      Relating to Golf Course Architecture?  Someone who comes to an issue with an open mind, patience, and a sense of wonder will likely solve a problem or create something worthwhile.  If an architect is focused on big picture agendas in the design [e.g. enjoyment of the game, environmental impact, keeping difficulty/costs of maintaining the golf course down] they have a good chance of not just creating a special golf course but reaching players on a different level.  A certain tee shot may inspire a player to hit a shot they've never dared - or execute an imaginative shot around the green they've never pulled off.  An inspired architect with his/her priorities in check has a good chance to leave a lasting impression on the player.