Life is difficult. . . mostly because we focus on fear and ignore the simple, daily points of inspirations.
I walk through a nature path of spectacular beauty, only to become furious when I see a can tossed carelessly in the woods.
Instead of letting frustration envelope me, it’s better that I ask –
- Am I helping the forest in any way by being furious?
- Am I helping myself by spending the rest of my nature walk looking for more trash, or even better, spotting the culprit?
Probably not. In this situation, anger’s only “gift” is to rob me of inspiration. I have three possible actions:
1) Stay angry and get an ulcer.
2) Pick up the trash.
3) If that’s not possible–can’t reach it, cup surrounded by a large snake, etc.– focus on the beauty around it.
I’m pretty sure Mother Nature is tired of the lack of appreciation . . .
Let’s say I decided to have an open house. I spent countless days and hours putting out my best dishes, cleaning the floors, washing windows, and ensuring there are fresh flowers in every vase.
As people file through my house, they discuss irritants in their day. They lament over a driver who cut in front of them, worry about the latest contagious disease, or complain about the cost of prescription medicine. They do everything except look at the beautiful surroundings into which I’ve put a lot of energy.
I would resent that, especially since I NEVER wash my windows voluntarily.
Maybe nature feels the same way when we stomp around complaining. We do everything except stop and look at that one flower growing through the pebbles in its best purple outfit.
Have you ever looked closely at a flower? Or a butterfly? The detail takes your breath.
Gratitude makes everything better . . .
At least once a day, I try to find something beautiful and give thanks for it. It could be the smile of a child which is greatly appreciated since I usually make children cry.
It could be an older couple at the grocery store walking down an aisle holding hands.
Whatever it is, we have to stop grumbling and look for it.
So when I get home, and step out of my car, I am going to find a bird, or a flower, or a bush, or anything that nature has provided. I will study it, focus on it, and see a depth of beauty missed even by a glance. I will take a deep breath, and give thanks.
And it will make everything better.
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