The Message of the Hosta

I woke up early this morning and decided to take a walk before before walking the dog. The weight of this week's Supreme Court decision and a few other personal things have been weighing more than heavily on my mind. On my way out the door for my walk I noticed this Hosta.

It's always been there. Steadfast in its beauty like a silent, loving doorman bidding me safe travels as I leave and welcoming me home when I return  with its brilliant greens and beautiful flowers. It was a kind and gentle reminder that in these nationally and personally trying times there is such simple, elegant beauty all around to lift us up and remind us to never give up hope; proceed with a kind and gentle spirit. The beauty of nature and its messages are all around us. Not for us to take, but for us to share in and be a part of. We would do well to take slow, mindful walks each day, notice the beauty around us, and accept the gift that's being offered us. 

The Optical Delusion of Being a Human

"A human being is part of the whole, called by us “Universe,” a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."

– Albert Einstein in replying to a stranger who asked for consolation on the death of his son.