Michael Gazzaniga in his book Human, The Science Behind What Makes us Unique, wrote “. . .art can put a smile on your face.The benefits to the individual and society from positive affect alone suggest that the world is a happier place if it is beautiful.”
What is your plan today to create beauty in your world. You may not be an artist, photographer, sculptor, or composer, but beauty is at your fingertips. There is beauty in words, so make your words supportive, creative, and affirming today and beautifully express them in intonation, emotion, and with love. There is beauty in facial expressions as they show compassion, love, or forgiveness. You can create beauty through your smile, a twinkle in your eye, and your warm and affirming tone of voice. Try not to limit your definition of beauty and your ability to demonstrate, create, or envision it.
Find beauty in your immediate environment. Look for the weeds growing up through the cracks in the sidewalk, the road, or your driveway. Their strength is amazing, their shades of green parallel even the worlds most beautiful gardens, some even produce beautiful flowers in yellow, white, and gold. Who was it that gave them a bad name anyway? I think it was my mother as she made us go around the yard and dig up all the dandelions every summer! Thanks mom!
My 91-year-old mother and I always look for the beauty in the clouds, or the color of the car next to us at the traffic light, or the sound of the train on the tracks as it goes clackity clack past us as we drive around town in my brilliant metallic lime-green Ford Fiesta running errands or as we’re on our way to church each Sunday. We try to notice the butterfly in the garden, the rainbow in the sky, the laughter of the children, or the beauty of the people around us. There is beauty and art everywhere if you just look!
Be mindful! Open your eyes, ears, and nose to the beauty and artfulness everywhere today and watch how it lightens your mood, brings you peace, joy, and happiness! Enjoy this new adventure today and let me know what happens!
unlockthedoortolearning 
Kathy, what a beautiful reminder to be mindful. When we can contemplate the weeds in the sidewalk, no matter if we’d prefer that the sidewalk be weed free, then we can notice mindfulness itself while we notice the beauty and determination of a plant in “a place not preferred.” Thanks for the reminder.
Arnold, my pleasure, thanks for reading my blog and making a comment I appreciate that as well. Enjoy this beautiful day…I am grateful to have you as my friend.
Just notice what’s already there and practice gratitude. Peace
Claudia, congratulations on your ordination as a Zen priest and soon to be Chaplain. I look forward to the ceremony tonight and tomorrow!