Stop Long Enough to See Beauty

I’ve been enjoying a chill Saturday. Headed to the market, the library then the bakery with my daughter. We had a lovely morning. Had some lunch then went for a long walk together. I usually put a lot of pressure on myself to “get things done” on the weekends, just buzzing from one task to the next- buzzing in distraction. Although I did get many things done today, I did so with a relaxed attitude. Without time limits, I discovered that being productive can be stress free too. What are these illusory time limits anyway? Does it matter that we spent an extra 10 minutes just observing the train track on our walk? Does it matter if we stopped to watch kids fishing at the creek. I’ve been conscious of really taking the time today to be present and notice things and people around me. To notice beauty and fill my space with beautiful things too. To listen to calming music, to observe the birds and hear them sing. Beauty is around if you stop to see it, appreciate it and be present for it.

In a world of chaos, fear and injustice I often find myself getting pulled into it all. By surrounding myself with beauty, and seeing it around me too, I can feel hopeful. It gives me something to hold onto when nothing else seems clear. The beauty of nature is grounding, real, truthful, and trustworthy. Nature trusts it has enough of everything it needs to flourish. It is resilient and beautiful at the same time. We are nature too. Don’t let resiliency harden you, instead soften in and become witness to the beauty of life unfolding in its perfection.