He appeared to be smiling that morning, this lovely western tanager. And I couldn’t help but smile back. All around me, the natural world radiated light and hope and grace. Such a relief from the everyday world.
As I watched this colorful bird flit among the trees, I had a thought. Wise beings have suggested that if you focus on the darkness in the world, the darkness will expand. If you focus on the light, the light will expand.
So why not focus on the highest possibilities for ourselves and our world?
I took a breath, closed my eyes and imagined…smiling faces; peaceful, loving interactions; pristine landscapes; a contented flourishing world. And a wave of happiness filled my being.
In that moment, I found relief from the fear and anxiety that can overwhelm.
And I was so very grateful…
(Additional photos: wandernature.com/new-photos)