The Art of

WholeHearted Living

Stories, Strategies and Surprises

Collateral Beauty

April 8, 2020

“I love the collateral beauty that’s emerging.”

Thanks, Lisa, for that beautiful sentence as we connected Sunday evening on Soul Sanctuary’s Virtual Salon. The statement resonated strongly with me and I felt a release in my body as I enjoyed breathing it in.

So much beauty, kindness, and laughter in the midst of uncertain, fearful times.

What we focus upon truly matters. I’ve been working hard to watch the stories my mind is telling me. When I catch myself contracting, I look quickly to what scary tale is broadcasting through my body. I “interrupt that broadcast” to breathe and change my focus. I seek the moment first. Where am I and what is actually happening around me? Then I may point my mind in a positive direction [Remember your brain’s velcro and teflon actions from last blog? I’m seeking to strengthen my teflon super powers.]

So, here’s a few things that warmed my heart and made me smile and laugh this weekend.

Susan, one of our Sacred Immersion retreaters, wanted to cheer up her neighbors. When the weather is dreary and the future uncertain, what better way to brighten the day than to string a rainbow of balloons across the street! And employ the local party store – supporting small business. (Can you spot our very own sunshine, Mary Law, as her family basks in the delight?) Kudos, Susan! May it inspire you to bring some brightness into your neighborhood! Do it your way.

My family has always loved the broadway show, Les Miserable.

I first saw it when I lived a summer in London during graduate school. The story, music, drama, British accents, and humor always warmed my heart. Hearing the music brings back memories of sharing this experience with my family. And gets me singing along with every song. So, I was excited when my brother sent me a new recording of an old favorite.

This cast has Broadway beat. I laughed. I cried. I’m a fan.

Bonus is the family squabble before they get started. Gotta love the authenticity (and the power of pizza as a bribe.)

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/01/825232156/u-k-familys-lockdown-themed-rendition-of-les-mis-is-a-delight

I enjoyed a ZOOM call with family stretched across the US on Sunday.

We caught up on our lives. Chatted about how we were all being affected. College kids home and all schooling online. Businesses closed. A guitar purchased. Games being played. A painting created. Walks in nature. A garden tour. A live musical performance of The Gambler. It was a delight.

“Where do you find toilet paper?” asked the young college grad. Unprepared and undaunted, these 5 quarantined roommates had it under control. “We’re rationing.” That was my first shared ZOOM belly laugh.

It seems a sign of love these days is not a box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers ... it's toilet paper!

My Dad just turned 85 (he declares himself ageless) and his friends threw him an impromptu party in the driveway. Three cars, three families, proper social distance, a cake, and a song. As if that wasn’t enough, the gift of the day was an industrial roll of tp. I can rest easy knowing my parents won’t have to ration!

And there’s John Krasinski’s quarantine talk show: Some Good News (SGN)

Check out these heartwarming stories. Recognizing heroes. Worldwide participation is welcomed. Another theatrical surprise. That girl’s face – oh my goodness. I laughed. I cried. I’m a fan. Can’t wait to see Hamilton when the world opens again!

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lin-manuel-miranda-hamilton-john-krasinski-978750/

Collateral beauty. Generous acts of kindness. Surprises. Heartfelt actions. Worldwide participation.

One thing for sure, we are all in this together and we need one another. We must deal with the fear, heartbreak, feelings of helplessness, overwhelm, and uncertainty. Some of us are dealing better than others. That is to be expected. And when you are on the side of having something to offer, look what goodness comes of it.

Why not show the world who you are and what you’re made of.

Go create your own rainbows. And ZOOM theatrical performances. Gifts of friendship. And random acts of kindness. Tiny actions. Big actions. Whatever you are capable of in the moment. Including demonstrating the ability to ask for help and receive it freely.

What you focus on matters deeply.

Especially to those recipients of your generosity. Let’s meet this moment with courage, skill, and sturdiness. And when you shake – hold on to someone (virtually) and let yourself receive.

If I can help in any way, please reach out.

To me. To someone. Don’t go it alone – not this time.

Peace be with you and with all. No exceptions.

HeartWarming

News

Research at the University of British Columbia explored the effect of noticing and reflecting upon nature during everyday life. Participants were placed in three groups: noticing nature, focusing on man-made objects, or going about daily life as usual. After only two weeks, the noticing nature condition reported feelings of inspiration, awe, transcendence, and greater life satisfaction. They felt more connected to nature, people, and life in general. Nothing changed for the other two groups. Enough said. Go outside and notice nature.

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