Beauty

Sometimes the beauty is subtle, but it's there....

That peach line of light!

dawn slides in gray
clouds a heavy, cold lid
somewhere, peach sunrise blooms

Gray dawns are hard for me, especially at this time of year nearing the anniversary of Richard’s death. As I walked the ridge before dawn, I saw that peach line of light beyond the clouds and reminded myself that the sunrise was bright there, and another one comes every day.

And I reminded myself that I have much to be grateful for: I have a home (yes, the furnace is out and it’s chilly in my condo this morning, but it’ll get fixed). I have power, running water and cell phone service. No one is bombing my town; my community is safe. And the sun will return. It always does. 

And I smiled. A few minutes later, I realized that my mood had lifted. 

Even a small smile creates the facial-muscle movement that, neurologists say, releases chemicals in our brains (principally serotonin and dopamine) which reduce stress and elevate our moods. 

So when times feel bleak, it may help to remind yourself that the sun will return—it always does. And then smile, even if it isn’t real. And see if, in a few minutes, you feel better. 

Those small actions won’t ensure world peace or halt climate change, but they are a way of practicing terraphilia, our innate love for this planet and all who share this earth. That alone will help you have a better day.