I woke at sunrise to find a veil of mist floating above the reservoir behind our home. Translucent clouds drifting over steel gray water, slowly vanishing in the rising amber light. It’s moments like this that make life bearable these days. Beauty in the midst of madness.

Each day, I do my best to find joy wherever I can. A tiny goldfinch trading seed with a friend at the feeder. A heron floating through the sky, her long, graceful wings effortlessly moving air. An autumn leaf aflame in its ending, lying still against the black tar of the road. And of course, there’s the beauty of cats. The spontaneous racing through the house when I least expect it makes me laugh every time. Or the rumbling of purrs against my chest as I struggle to write with a cat on my lap.

Beauty is a powerful force of energy. A painted sky at sunset can stop a crowd in its tracks. The clashing waves of a wild storm will do the same. The first smile of a newborn who looks like an old soul in a new body will have everyone in the room – regardless of their beliefs or affiliations, cooing in unified delight. Yes, beauty unites.

I often think of beauty as the language of the soul, calling us back to where we have the most power and compassion. When you find beauty, it’s a clue that you’ve found the present moment, and you want to do your best to stay there. That’s because humans who are grounded in the present moment are not easily triggered by world events. They are less impulsive and reactive, better able to think and act clearly in a storm.

Be sure to let beauty grab you, pull you close, and infuse you with the peaceful power you need to do good in your little corner of the world. I’ll help you get started. This week, as I bid farewell to the hummingbirds – always a regretful goodbye –I’m sharing my most recent moment of joy. You’ll find it above.

Love,
Cheryl