In all the chaos, seek beauty
Donna L Turner April 30, 2026
How are we coping today?
I am so glad that years ago, during a trying time when parents were dying, and even friends my age were succumbing to rare diseases, I attended a grief workshop. There I learned some tools for coping in difficult circumstances.
There were lots of suggestions, but the one that has served me best over the years is the encouragement to observe Nature.
- Trees: That tree has been through many storms and abuse, yet still provides shade and a home for the birds. I like to imagine how far the roots have traveled.
- Sky: Get outside and look up – watch the clouds moving, watch the birds overhead.
- Air: Breathe… Just focus on the air (our amazing atmosphere) entering your lungs and providing oxygen to all your cells. Think about what an amazing process that is.
- Listen: Close your eyes and just notice what you hear. If you are in a noisy place, see if you can focus on one particular sound.
- Beauty: Beauty is all around you. Even the tiny flowers that grow along with the grass are miraculous in their intricacy.
Chinese Peony at the Huntsville Botanical Garden
Soon after moving to Alabama, we discovered the Huntsville Botanical Garden. This place is a peaceful retreat from city life. Last week as we were walking through, this peony popped out and greeted me. I know flowers can’t speak, but this one “spoke” to me. It reminded me that all is not lost, that there is still much beauty and hope to be found.
Let’s hold on and watch for the Good. Watch for Beauty.
Would you share your own ways of coping in the comments? We all need each other.
If you would like to see this flower on wearable art or decor, see it in my Redbubble shop.
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