On the 41st episode of the What is a Good Life? podcast, I am delighted to welcome Mark Smith of Mark Smith Photography as our guest. Mark is a wildlife photographer, videographer, and storyteller whose stunning work has amassed a huge online following with hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and elsewhere. In this episode, Mark shares with us his sense and experiences of flow from his work. We reflect on the beauty and awe of both the wild and being present with it. He talks about the inspiration he takes from nature regarding the seemingly insurmountable odds and significant obstacles he sees being faced every day. Mark also shares a touching and surreal account of his communication with a family of Cranes that later provided him with inspiration, perspective, and supported his healing when dealing with his own personal tragedy of suddenly losing his wife. Like his work, this discussion gives us insight into a world that most of us could greatly benefit from experiencing more often. This episode also offers a unique perspective on observing and navigating the cycles of life, and the joys and hardships that go with it. (We recorded this episode during the summer with Mark in the woods, so it is fittingly accompanied by the intermittent chirping sounds of nature) Subscribe for weekly episodes, every Tuesday, and check out my YouTube channel (link below) for clips and shorts. Contact me at [email protected] to book a free 30 minute consultation for one-on-one coaching programs or to hear about corporate workshops I am offering around this question. Running Order: 03:10 Bonding over a common thing 05:40 AI can’t replace the human experience 07:00 Finding flow 10:53 Gaining perspective and inspiration from nature 16:55 How photography and observing nature has shifted his perspective 21:00 Mother Nature balances things out 24:41 Moments of deep loss and resonance with nature 30:42 Observing nature and accepting the cycles of life 32:10 Communication beyond words 37:30 A lifelong fascination with nature and creating a YouTube channel 42:45 The subtlety of observation  47:35 What is a good life for Mark? For further content and information check out the following:  - For the podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos - My newsletter: https://www.whatisagood.life/ - My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccartney-14b0161b4/ - Mark's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkSmithphotography/featured - Mark's Website: https://msmithphotos.com/