Author: Roger Alexander, LNFA
It’s so easy to get overwhelmed by daily living that we neglect to see the beauty that surrounds us. I know I often feel pulled apart by all the roles I try to fill. Care giving can be stressful, so we need to include things in our lives that give us pleasure and that feed our souls.
I think my favorite part of the day is just before the sun comes up. I’m always amazed by the first light that seems to turn the horizon a blushing pink. Next comes the golden tones that fall on the roof tops and shine through the dew on the trees. Each daybreak is so unique, yet somehow the same – this is comforting.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve also gotten better about recognizing the things that I see as beautiful. The sunlight and growing things just seems to feed something deep inside me. Sometimes we’re even too busy to enjoy what we love – like our first cup of coffee in the morning. We look forward to the first sip, but how many times do we actually sit down and enjoy it? Try having that nice cup of coffee in your very best china cup. It’s funny how that small detail can make you feel pampered. Take your time, and close your eyes with the first sip. You know what they say about anticipation? Even our morning coffee can be beautiful, if the phone doesn’t ring!
I read a little quote on Facebook today. It says, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” This is truly worthy of thought. Sometimes I just need to stop what I’m doing, forget about my woes, and look for the beauty in my very own world.
Remembering is another way to bring beauty into our everyday living. Just think about the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen. Relive the moment when you first seen it. Share those thoughts with someone you love.
Here are a few tips that might help you feed that spirit and see the beauty in your own world.
- Take the time to go outside each day and look around. Feel the air and breathe deep.
- Watch for the sunset every evening and see how many colors are in the sky.
- Set the dinner table with nice dishes and a few flowers. Think happy thoughts and talk about pleasant things.
- Listen to your favorite music while closing your eyes.
- Spend time with a child or baby.
- Take a drive to the country or to a park. Remember to look at the leaves and the trees.
- Get your camera out and go into your yard. Find something to focus on that is beautiful.
- Shop for a favorite plant and pot it up. Set if where you can see it often.
- Read some poetry. Read it slowly. Let the meanings come to you.
- Go to a religious service and really think about the words in the songs and the message.
I know many of you are caregivers for your family and aging loved ones. I really can’t think of anything more beautiful than the love you give when you take the time to care. You deserve to have beauty all around you. All it takes are eyes that choose to see it.
What are some other activities you find that allow you to see beauty in the world?
