The Art of Presence: Appreciating the Magic of Ordinary Days

The magic of ordinary days is often overlooked in our fast-paced, modern world. We are so consumed by the pursuit of extraordinary experiences and accomplishments that we fail to appreciate the beauty and wonder that can be found in our everyday lives. In reality, it is the ordinary moments that make up the majority of our existence. Those fleeting moments of joy, love, and connection that occur in the mundane routines of daily life are what truly matter. The smiles exchanged with strangers on the street, the comforting embrace of a loved one after a long day, and the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal shared with family are all examples of the magic that can be found in the ordinary. The magic of ordinary days lies in our ability to find happiness and contentment in the small details.

The reception on campus for the new mascots has been overwhelmingly positive, with students fully embracing the new faces of Valpo events with enthusiasm.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Beacon Blog is collaborating with a Hispanic student-run blog, HispaValpo to bring you a special edition Café con un Professor. On the other side of the issue was a Valpo athlete who asked for anonymity to say, It goes against what I feel like is one of Valpo s strongest characteristics tradition.

The magic of ordinary days lies in our ability to find happiness and contentment in the small details. It is in the laughter of children playing in the park, the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, and the feeling of warmth and safety when falling asleep in our own beds at night. The ordinary days are also where we find the space for personal growth and self-reflection.

Valparaiso drops mascot linked to KKK & violence after already having ditched Nazi-linked name in '40s; might we suggest one?

Valpo is most famous, sports-wise, for Bryce Drew’s buzzer-beater to upset Ole Miss in the 1998 NCAA Tournament, and victory over Florida State in the second round to reach the Sweet 16. Since then, Valpo went to the 2016 NIT title game, and have six one-and-done trips to the Big Dance on their ledger.

The teams at Valparaiso have been known as the Crusaders, but that nickname is being retired. As interim university president Colette Irwin-Knott explained in the Valpo Torch, “The negative connotation associated with the Crusader is not reflective of Valor’s mission and values, which promote a welcoming and inclusive community.”

CNN noted that the Crusader is an image used by hate groups, as well as the name of the Ku Klux Klan’s newspaper. But on campus, it’s about more than that, reflected by the Torch’s reporting.

The Torch quoted Valpo senior Jenna Rifai about how, “As a Muslim, I was embarrassed to come to Valpo because the school’s mascot was a Crusader, even though my mom and older siblings went here before me. … I know it seems like a little small image but that image holds power. Symbols hold power.”

On the other side of the issue was a Valpo athlete who asked for anonymity to say, “It goes against what I feel like is one of Valpo’s strongest characteristics: tradition.”

The “tradition” of Valparaiso being the Crusaders goes all the way back to… 1942. That’s when Valpo decided to ditch its previous mascot, the Uhlan, because of that word’s link to German cavalry units . Never mind that by World War II, it was Nazi Germany overrunning the Polish Uhlans, but Valpo wanted nothing to do with that name. From 1934-40, even the school yearbook had been called “The Uhlan,” the 1939 edition of which referred to Valpo as Uhlanville.

One of those Uhlan yearbooks may hold the key to Valpo’s future nickname.

Please become the Donkeys and bring back a mascot that’s literally all about kicking ass. (Tweet!)

Chris Doyle , who just Thursday was announced as the Jaguars’ new director of sports performance and was just months removed from being forced out from the University of Iowa over his mistreatment of Black players , is already now the Jaguars’ former director of sports performance .

He shouldn’t have gotten the job in the first place, but…

After the decision to make Valpo’s new nickname “the Beacons,” the search was underway to identify a mascot as well. The president’s office, in conjunction with alumni engagement, quickly realized that the decision was best left to those that the mascot would represent the most: Valpo students.

It is during these times that we have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes, reassess our priorities, and make positive changes in our lives. The ordinary days provide the platform for self-discovery and finding our true passions and purposes. Furthermore, it is in the ordinary days that we have the chance to create lasting memories and build meaningful relationships. It is in the quiet moments spent with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter, that we form deep connections and nurture our souls. Ultimately, the magic of ordinary days lies in our ability to be present and fully experience each moment. When we slow down and take the time to appreciate the small miracles that occur around us each day, we can find joy, gratitude, and fulfillment in the simplicity of life. So, let us not dismiss the magic of ordinary days. Instead, let us embrace and cherish these moments, for they are the foundation on which our lives are built. Let us find wonder, beauty, and meaning in the everyday, and let it bring us peace and happiness..

Reviews for "Unveiling the Everyday Magic: Appreciating the Beauty of Ordinary Days"

1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Magic Ordinary Days". The plot was slow and predictable, lacking any real excitement or intrigue. The characters felt one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing style was also quite dry and didn't engage me as a reader. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable and underwhelming book.

2. John - 1 star - I found "The Magic Ordinary Days" to be a complete bore. The story dragged on and I could barely stay interested enough to finish it. The characters were uninteresting and their actions felt forced. The dialogue was also lackluster and didn't bring any life to the story. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting or engaging read.

3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "The Magic Ordinary Days" but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The writing was lackluster and the plot lacked any real depth or originality. I found myself skimming through paragraphs because I just couldn't get invested in the story. The characters were forgettable and their relationships felt contrived. Overall, it was a disappointing read that didn't leave any lasting impression.

4. Mark - 2 stars - "The Magic Ordinary Days" didn't live up to the hype for me. The pacing was slow and there were times where I found myself losing interest in the story. The characters were poorly developed and their actions didn't always make sense. The writing style also felt amateurish and it was difficult to get immersed in the world that the author was trying to create. Overall, I felt let down by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.

Awakening Wonder: Rediscovering the Magic of Everyday Life