When I make space in my daily life for appreciating beauty, I notice how relaxed I am, nothing is important only this moment, I am less worried, accepting of the moment, seeing more deeply and my interconnectedness with nature, we are one. As I look at this particular tree, I can see the way the tree branches criss crosses forming a contemporary abstract painting as the sun shines revealing a special bird preparing a nest for an unborn, the busyness of the special bird by making sure it would be safe and also beautiful, carrying all types of twigs, fluffy materials, oh at this moment, nothing is important even food but to get the nest (house) completed. As a human being we do the same. We are one – trees, birds, animals fish … we are one. Grateful to see, to hear, to feel, to be alive at this moment…. “Gratitude is the closest thing to beauty manifested in an emotion.” Mindy Kaling
Beauty is around me . . .
beauty
has always been around me.
I see the sun-washed sea foam blue green in my bedroom
every time I open my eyes in the morning,
grey sea on a cloudy day,
a breeze
lifting the lace curtains like wings,
and feel peace
before the ‘realities’ set in.
There is no making space for it
because it’s there before me already.
When I bring my morning coffee into my studio,
I see beyond the mess of papers and boxes,
to the computer on my cherry table,
the lavender walls . . .
the plants and coloured glass bottles on the windowsills.
I don’t see beauty in the mess,
but I see beauty beyond the mess,
and promise every day
that I will sort it all out.
I am teaching myself
to see the beauty
in ruined buildings,
abandoned
as shopkeepers have had to close . . .
the internet and big box stores
have taken over.
Windows are shuttered,
paint is peeling on the once welcoming facades.
It makes me sad,
but a beautiful sad,
rather like looking with love
and an old, raggedy stuffed animal
that was once held and loved
I almost shudder to say it,
but at summer’s end two years ago,
I brought down the phoebe’s nest over my front door lamp
to find three baby birds
dead inside . . .
I had wondered,
as I hadn’t seen either of the parents.
They must have starved . . .
even in that bed turned grave
the stillness was beautiful and tender,
and I felt moved
seeing their little downy heads
resting in the twigs.
Reluctantly,
I’ve learned
that there is beauty and art
in everything . . .
not just the hearts and flowers . . .
they are all expressions
of the ‘reality’ we live in . . .
all a part of the the big quilt
that covers me as I sleep. ♥
I am reminded of the little baby birds I had to lay to rest last year and am grateful that the ice storm a couple month ago took our canopy down. The canopy that was not strong enough to hold the nest built in it last year.
I can feel the comfort of that big quilt. I imagine it is quite colorful 💗
Oh dear Sparrow, I’m just now at day’s end reading todays post. I’ve seen what you’ve seen, seeing beyond the clutter to the beauty outside the windows. I was moved by how you described the remnants of three baby bird’s lives in the nest. I see the beauty in their fragility and deaths, thank you dear friend,
I notice that things are not that serious and life, in all aspects, is simply part of the experience. Life is meant for lessons and love and sometimes it does not feel pleasureful. But essentially it is all necessary. I also notice that my problems are much smaller than most, and I remind myself that I am not unique in the sense of bad things happening to me. In the same sense, some of what I view as “bad”, others in worse situations would BEG for. It is important to be grateful, and you can still want better for yourself, but just do not take what you already have and how far you have already came for granted.
Have an amazing day everyone! I really enjoyed today’s reflection.
Ah yes, the noticing things around me and seeing them through new(ish) eyes.
I notice a lot. I am always scanning and looking around. I notice the light, the shadows, the colors, the seasonal changes, the way things move, how things and people interact with each other, the way thinks are made, and how geology and geography are put together.
I’ve always been hyper aware of my surroundings.
Probably from the need to be vigilant in my early life. Also, I smoked a lot of pot for the majority of my life, and if there’s one thing that it allowed me to do, that was to notice things around me through altered consciousness. And now that I don’t partake any more, I am still able to get in the space where I can loosen my grip and see things. This comes in handy for my job as a videographer. I wasn’t sure I would still have the ability or desire to get interesting images while sober. Turns out, I can still tap into the mental state. Which is awesome!
I think that talent
has always been in you,
dear Charlie . . .
pot
might have helped you see it,
but the insight
has stayed with you
long after . . .
I’d love to see your videography.
What talent.
What a gift. ♥
I took my walk early this morning as we are going to have very high temps for Kansas in March! It will be between 90 and 95 degrees so I preferred not to sweat while I walked. A young man was walking up behind me and he let me know as he did not want to scare me. I turned and was greeted with a big smile. We chatted and he walked along with me for a half a block or so then I urged him to go a head and keep his pace which was much faster than mine. He smiled and said he was glad to see me out and about and encouraged me to keep walking daily. I do not know this young man but I will be smiling all day. He was so gracious. Mindy Kaling’s quote (“Gratitude is the closest thing to beauty manifested in an emotion”)is very true.
He might be someone in the neighborhood
who has seen you before
(sounds like it) . . .
what a nice experience,
dear Carol Ann,
to have so early in the morning. ♥
The main thing that I notice when I make space in my daily life for appreciating beauty is that my breathing changes. My eyes see in a softer way and I feel the somewhat elusive emotion known as contentment.
More–I notice more beauty. I find what I’m looking for no matter what that may be.
I notice specifically that beauty isn’t synonymous with perfection. The beautiful blooming trees in my yard aren’t perfect in symmetry or in their surface qualities. It’s the profusion of boughs, blossoms and leaves that makes them beautiful, the life bursting forth. When I see a bird flying overhead it’s always beautiful to me no matter what kind of bird it is or how it flies.
I filled up on appreciation of beauty during the two weeks I spent in France. Architecture, art, beautifully arranged food on a plate, families enjoying the public squares, bridges over the Seine, the lights on the Eiffel Tower in the night sky. The wonderful thing is that I still have room for all the beauty I find at home.
France really is beautiful. So much attention to detail and a reverence for history.
I really love it there. So glad you got to enjoy yourself and extend your work trip. 🗼
And yes, birds! I notice them all the time and they amaze me and make me slightly jealous. 😁
Today is my bday – turning 57… I am enjoying time with all 3 kids together at the same time – which doesn’t happen all that often. After I drop my youngest daughter off at the airport later today, my other daughter is treating me to a 80 min massage and then dinner reservations – who hoooo.
Thank you everyone – I had a wonderful birthday and it will continue into the weekend for sure. I’ve been enjoying time off of work all week – a nice well needed break.
Happy BirthDayWeekMonth! At our house we don’t think you have to stop celebrating after 24 hours. Enjoy! Such a special thing to have your daughters all together with you.
Important point, Richard. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I know I’ve been socialized to have limited definitions that I’ve been working consciously to expand.
When I make space for appreciating beauty, I notice the presence of a pure mind like that of a child. It’s a joy in simplicity; no layers, no filters. Just joy.
More feeling than anything else. Just putting more good stuff in the heart. To me that is one of life’s important lessons, is to know what you are filling your heart with.
Have known too many lonely, sad people. Seemed like they were unable to displace their anger and greed, with the beauty that surrounds us every day.
I frequently forget that I have a choice. I am still learning that my feelings have so much to do with what I am either choosing or allowing myself to focus on. As Barb said today, we usually find what we are looking for.
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When I make space in my daily life for appreciating beauty, I notice how relaxed I am, nothing is important only this moment, I am less worried, accepting of the moment, seeing more deeply and my interconnectedness with nature, we are one. As I look at this particular tree, I can see the way the tree branches criss crosses forming a contemporary abstract painting as the sun shines revealing a special bird preparing a nest for an unborn, the busyness of the special bird by making sure it would be safe and also beautiful, carrying all types of twigs, fluffy materials, oh at this moment, nothing is important even food but to get the nest (house) completed. As a human being we do the same. We are one – trees, birds, animals fish … we are one. Grateful to see, to hear, to feel, to be alive at this moment…. “Gratitude is the closest thing to beauty manifested in an emotion.” Mindy Kaling
Happy feelings of contentment 🌞🌹
Beauty is around me . . .
beauty
has always been around me.
I see the sun-washed sea foam blue green in my bedroom
every time I open my eyes in the morning,
grey sea on a cloudy day,
a breeze
lifting the lace curtains like wings,
and feel peace
before the ‘realities’ set in.
There is no making space for it
because it’s there before me already.
When I bring my morning coffee into my studio,
I see beyond the mess of papers and boxes,
to the computer on my cherry table,
the lavender walls . . .
the plants and coloured glass bottles on the windowsills.
I don’t see beauty in the mess,
but I see beauty beyond the mess,
and promise every day
that I will sort it all out.
I am teaching myself
to see the beauty
in ruined buildings,
abandoned
as shopkeepers have had to close . . .
the internet and big box stores
have taken over.
Windows are shuttered,
paint is peeling on the once welcoming facades.
It makes me sad,
but a beautiful sad,
rather like looking with love
and an old, raggedy stuffed animal
that was once held and loved
I almost shudder to say it,
but at summer’s end two years ago,
I brought down the phoebe’s nest over my front door lamp
to find three baby birds
dead inside . . .
I had wondered,
as I hadn’t seen either of the parents.
They must have starved . . .
even in that bed turned grave
the stillness was beautiful and tender,
and I felt moved
seeing their little downy heads
resting in the twigs.
Reluctantly,
I’ve learned
that there is beauty and art
in everything . . .
not just the hearts and flowers . . .
they are all expressions
of the ‘reality’ we live in . . .
all a part of the the big quilt
that covers me as I sleep. ♥
I am reminded of the little baby birds I had to lay to rest last year and am grateful that the ice storm a couple month ago took our canopy down. The canopy that was not strong enough to hold the nest built in it last year.
I can feel the comfort of that big quilt. I imagine it is quite colorful 💗
There is something so poignant
about those fragile baby birds,
isn’t there,
dear SunnyPatti,
that both breaks our hearts
and wakes us up? ♥
Oh dear Sparrow, I’m just now at day’s end reading todays post. I’ve seen what you’ve seen, seeing beyond the clutter to the beauty outside the windows. I was moved by how you described the remnants of three baby bird’s lives in the nest. I see the beauty in their fragility and deaths, thank you dear friend,
I am grateful to you,
dear Carla,
that I was able to share that moment
with love . . . ♥
Simply, Lovely. 🌱
Whether it be the starkness
of your dry land,
dear Joseph,
or the shadow of the birds,
you know
that it is all beautiful.
Agua es vida . . . ♥
I notice that things are not that serious and life, in all aspects, is simply part of the experience. Life is meant for lessons and love and sometimes it does not feel pleasureful. But essentially it is all necessary. I also notice that my problems are much smaller than most, and I remind myself that I am not unique in the sense of bad things happening to me. In the same sense, some of what I view as “bad”, others in worse situations would BEG for. It is important to be grateful, and you can still want better for yourself, but just do not take what you already have and how far you have already came for granted.
Have an amazing day everyone! I really enjoyed today’s reflection.
Well said . . .
sort of puts it all into perspective,
doesn’t it,
dear Valerie? ♥
Ah yes, the noticing things around me and seeing them through new(ish) eyes.
I notice a lot. I am always scanning and looking around. I notice the light, the shadows, the colors, the seasonal changes, the way things move, how things and people interact with each other, the way thinks are made, and how geology and geography are put together.
I’ve always been hyper aware of my surroundings.
Probably from the need to be vigilant in my early life. Also, I smoked a lot of pot for the majority of my life, and if there’s one thing that it allowed me to do, that was to notice things around me through altered consciousness. And now that I don’t partake any more, I am still able to get in the space where I can loosen my grip and see things. This comes in handy for my job as a videographer. I wasn’t sure I would still have the ability or desire to get interesting images while sober. Turns out, I can still tap into the mental state. Which is awesome!
I think that talent
has always been in you,
dear Charlie . . .
pot
might have helped you see it,
but the insight
has stayed with you
long after . . .
I’d love to see your videography.
What talent.
What a gift. ♥
I took my walk early this morning as we are going to have very high temps for Kansas in March! It will be between 90 and 95 degrees so I preferred not to sweat while I walked. A young man was walking up behind me and he let me know as he did not want to scare me. I turned and was greeted with a big smile. We chatted and he walked along with me for a half a block or so then I urged him to go a head and keep his pace which was much faster than mine. He smiled and said he was glad to see me out and about and encouraged me to keep walking daily. I do not know this young man but I will be smiling all day. He was so gracious. Mindy Kaling’s quote (“Gratitude is the closest thing to beauty manifested in an emotion”)is very true.
He might be someone in the neighborhood
who has seen you before
(sounds like it) . . .
what a nice experience,
dear Carol Ann,
to have so early in the morning. ♥
The main thing that I notice when I make space in my daily life for appreciating beauty is that my breathing changes. My eyes see in a softer way and I feel the somewhat elusive emotion known as contentment.
“My eyes see in a softer way”–beautiful way to express what happens when we appreciate beauty.
Happiness!
More–I notice more beauty. I find what I’m looking for no matter what that may be.
I notice specifically that beauty isn’t synonymous with perfection. The beautiful blooming trees in my yard aren’t perfect in symmetry or in their surface qualities. It’s the profusion of boughs, blossoms and leaves that makes them beautiful, the life bursting forth. When I see a bird flying overhead it’s always beautiful to me no matter what kind of bird it is or how it flies.
I filled up on appreciation of beauty during the two weeks I spent in France. Architecture, art, beautifully arranged food on a plate, families enjoying the public squares, bridges over the Seine, the lights on the Eiffel Tower in the night sky. The wonderful thing is that I still have room for all the beauty I find at home.
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to France:)
« Beauty is not synonymous with perfection ». Amen, Barb.♥️
Yes, the winged beings.
France really is beautiful. So much attention to detail and a reverence for history.
I really love it there. So glad you got to enjoy yourself and extend your work trip. 🗼
And yes, birds! I notice them all the time and they amaze me and make me slightly jealous. 😁
When I make space for beauty, I calm down.
I notice contentment and smiles.
Today is my bday – turning 57… I am enjoying time with all 3 kids together at the same time – which doesn’t happen all that often. After I drop my youngest daughter off at the airport later today, my other daughter is treating me to a 80 min massage and then dinner reservations – who hoooo.
https://nationaltoday.com/make-up-your-own-holiday-day/ – this is a fun one 🙂
Thank you everyone – I had a wonderful birthday and it will continue into the weekend for sure. I’ve been enjoying time off of work all week – a nice well needed break.
A day late but greetings can be at any time. Enjoy this day too, like you did yesterday. I hope your treats were all you expected and more.
Enjoy your fresh trip around the sun, Michell!♥️
Happy Birthday, Michele! Many blessings for this next trip around the sun ☀️🎉
Happy anniversary of your gift of life day, dear Michele.
Happy birthday, Michele. How wonderful to have all of your children together on your birthday!
Happy Birthday Michele! enjoy your day with your children! Sounds like great plans ☺️
Happy Birthday,
dear Michele . . .
maybe today’s holiday
should be
:CELEBRATE MICHELE DAY . . . 🙂
Hey! Happy happy birthday!
It all sounds wonderful. Especially the massage 🤤
Happy Birthday, dear MIchele.
Happy birthday Michele! Enjoy the good company and your gifts!
Happy BirthDayWeekMonth! At our house we don’t think you have to stop celebrating after 24 hours. Enjoy! Such a special thing to have your daughters all together with you.
I love the idea of celebrating one’s birth day, week, and month. Great idea and lots of time to celebrate a loved one.
A whole new world of living,
YRAM, you are a wise woman.
I wholeheartedly agree, Carol Ann.
I have learned that things and people labeled as undesirable are possessors of beauty that become apparent as we get to know them.
♥
Important point, Richard. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I know I’ve been socialized to have limited definitions that I’ve been working consciously to expand.
When I make space for appreciating beauty, I notice the presence of a pure mind like that of a child. It’s a joy in simplicity; no layers, no filters. Just joy.
NGOC, Your answer paints a beautiful picture that I’m betting brings us all joy!
My Ngoc, this reminds me of Shunryu Suzuki’s “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.”
More feeling than anything else. Just putting more good stuff in the heart. To me that is one of life’s important lessons, is to know what you are filling your heart with.
Have known too many lonely, sad people. Seemed like they were unable to displace their anger and greed, with the beauty that surrounds us every day.
People don’t realize they have a choice.
It’s quite sad. I have spent time there myself.
As I.
It was a revelation to me when I read The Power of Now (Eckhart Tolle).
Me too. ♥
I frequently forget that I have a choice. I am still learning that my feelings have so much to do with what I am either choosing or allowing myself to focus on. As Barb said today, we usually find what we are looking for.
. . . the law of attraction perhaps,
dear Don . . . ♥