I am currently on artist/writer residency in Nebraska City, Nebraska where spring is in full bloom, trees are lush with leaves, and tulips are waltzing with the breeze beneath a radiant sun. I have been taking walk early in the morning before local businesses open and find myself taking pictures of anything beautiful that catches my eye: shimmers on the river, graphics on the walls, herbs in a garden, and yes, plenty of trees. The trees here are statuesque and much larger than trees in many major cities where I often travel. They are much taller and the span of their branches wider. I find myself gazing at them and my mind blanking. What a welcome change to not be thinking of anything for a change.
I even find myself noticing the gentle gestures between people and/or animals, etc. I have been lingering on the balcony after dinner to watch the squirrels chase one another in the trees or listen to chorus of birds that serenade as the sun sets. I finally realized today that I am subconsciously and continuously on a treasure hunt to find beauty and grace and kindness in the world, sharpen my focus on them. I find it easy to obsess over the current chaos and cruelties in the world especially when scrolling various feeds. An argumentative post or toxic video awaits to lure my attention and devour my energy. Instead of surrendering, I have decided to consciously take myself on treasure hunts to find the opposite to create balance and nurture joy in my life regardless of what happens in the world.
This does not mind that I am blind or dismissive of the many tragedies and the suffering in the world. I am aware. I do not understand how one could not be. However, the beauty and kindness around me are medicine to boost my physical, mental, and emotional immune system. This renews my faith and energy to move forward, create, and serve as best I can. I claim it as a daily treasure hunt to find something beautiful and kind each day no matter what happens.
The earth is so much more than power struggles and possession. Paying attention to the beauty surrounding me is also a show of acknowledgement and gratitude to the spirit of other living beings and things and their power.
I am grateful for this knowing, this medicine, for this life and every blade of grass that gently bends beneath the soles of my feet. I am grateful for the earth that cradles my footsteps instead of collapsing from the to consume me. I am grateful to live and witness yet another spring when life chooses to rebirth and grow and allows me to do the same.
How about you?
Treasure hunts are not just for pirates to pillage or children to rummage. Shouldn’t beauty and kindness be bounty for all? I am on a mission to find it and keep my treasure chest overflowing…
As always,
Be joyful,
Be inspired,
Be creative,
Tamara