Yesterday I took a few moments to ‘petal’ a wilted bouquet of roses and then I cast them out my front door. Watching the petals flutter through the air is one of my simple pleasures.
Last summer, exhausted after a long day, I plopped myself down on the bench on my back deck and looked up into the sky. A bird soaring high overhead caught my attention and when I took in a deep breath my feeling of overwhelm shifted to relaxation.
I believe that beauty is the perfect antidote for busy.
Whether you arrange a bouquet of flowers, light a candle at the dinner table or linger a moment as you take in a loved one’s smile, being in the company of beauty improves the quality of your life.
In the “Reflection” sessions I have with my clients after we perform their ceremonies, some of the most vivid memories are the moments of beauty. They recall… sparkling water, gorgeous flowers, friends’ smiling faces, women’s gentle voices, the clear sound of the bell, a daughter’s delight, the gently falling rain.
The visual and emotional beauty of a ceremony is forever infused in your memory.
When I recall a personal ceremony of mine that involved burning love letters, I remember the beauty of the fire and it’s transformative power rather than anything resembling loss.
Whether you are moving through separation, honouring the life of a loved one or celebrating the purchase of your new home, including beauty adds to the potency and helps you move through transition with grace.
That is why yesterday, instead of composting my wilting bouquet of roses, I scattered them out my front door creating an unexpected delight for anyone walking by my house.
Why not create some beauty as an antidote to your busy day?
Put on some gorgeous music.
Pick up a bouquet of flowers at the grocery store.
Place a candle in the middle of your dinner table.
Shine your bathroom mirror and look directly into your eyes.
Infuse your busy life with life affirming beauty.
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I just went through some procedures at a hospital that were scary, but as I was wheeled to different departments my eyes were caught by all the art on the walls. I spent so much time enjoying the beauty of the paintings that my fear dissipated and I became calm and happy.