Awakened By Beauty - Music, Nature, & Wonder

🎙️ Awakened By Beauty - Music, Nature, & WonderA candid conversation with Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-KuplakWhat if beauty isn’t just something we see—but something that changes us?In this deeply reflective and soul-stirring episode, Michelle sits down with concert cellist Dr. Larissa Kuplak to explore how beauty—especially through music and nature—has the power to awaken our hearts, heal what’s broken, and draw us closer to God.From the difference between analog and digital sound to the lost art of truly seeing, this conversation invites you to slow down, become childlike again, and rediscover the wonder that makes you feel fully alive.🎻 A Powerful InvitationWhen was the last time you:Sat outside and truly noticed a tree?Listened to music without multitasking?Allowed yourself to be moved… without rushing on to the next thing?Beauty requires attention. And attention opens the door to transformation.🌿 Practical Ways to Begin Again:Step outside and linger - notice details you’d normally missListen to a piece of music (start with “The Swan”) without distractionsAsk your kids (or yourself): “What do you see?”Create small moments of beauty in your homeLet go of perfection - and embrace playful curiosity💬 Key Takeaways:We don’t need more noise—we need more wonder.As Larissa shares, when we open ourselves to beauty, we allow it to:soften our heartsrestore what’s been dulledand draw us back to the One who created it all💛 About Larissa:Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak is a concert cellist who began performing with her family ensemble at venues like the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. She holds a Doctorate in Cello Performance from UC Santa Barbara and has performed with orchestras, recorded as a session musician, and toured with artists including Marco Antonio Solis, Gloria Trevi, and Scythian. She now shares her passion for beauty and music through performances and her concert series Painting with Music.Email: [email protected] MentionedSadie Hoyt's classical music listening guides for families: sadiehoyt.comBach Unaccompanied Cello Suites (as interpreted by Pablo Casals)Saint-Saëns: The Swan (performed live by Larissa during the episode)