With beauty before me, I journey....

A most happy, happy New Year! Does anyone know how long one should use that phrase? When is the year no longer considered new? When is the year no longer considered happy?

I’m banking that the year 2013 still has a good bit of dew on it and that all is well.

The blog begins another year. As is true for most of us “resolution makers,” I too hope for more discipline and stronger priorities and a commitment to do what brings the most light and peace.

In preparation for this New Year, I spent some time reflecting on 2012. One of the spiritual practices I do each day is along with writing down five things for which I am grateful in that 24-hour period, I also write down where I saw beauty that day. Along with providing a nice close to the day, it is also fun to look back over what I wrote and recall those moments of beauty.

During 2012, my list of where I saw beauty included:

• Bright sun reflected on white snow
• The woman who is always smiling as she sweeps the streets on the
North Side
• Noticing the blooming
• A kid on her first bike ride --- going it solo
• Day baseball at PNC Park
• White trillium filling the hillside
• A doe and two spotted fawns
• Softness of morning light
• Kayakers on the river, paddling under the 9th Street Bridge as a
steady rain falls
• A rainbow arching over the Sound at the Outer Banks, NC

2013 is three days in, where have you seen beauty?

I invite you to try this practice. See if it sticks. Share your list with another.

As the year begins, may you journey with beauty before you, behind you, below you, above you, and all around you.

sj;