What beauty do you celebrate in your life?
Each of us has people, places and things that we love and cherish. These are part of who we are, they are often the inspiration for how we step up in life. The things we love - we find beautiful.
How often do you give yourself time with beauty? Do you surround yourself with it? Do you share it?
I have come to love the Sufi poet, Hafiz. He moves, delights and informs me so I often share his poetry with others in the executive retreats I hold. Here is an excerpt from one of my favorites:
I RAIN
...I weave light into words so that
When your mind holds them
Your eyes will relinquish their sadness,
Turn bright, a little brighter, giving to us
The way a candle does
To the dark.
I have wrapped my laughter like a birthday gift
And left it beside your bed...
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| My son Josh and his friend Jennifer |
I also love the beauty of nature and featured pictures of many Paris parks in my most recent book. I love toys and in one project, I had so much fun packaging and sending inflatable globes to my team. Those globes bounced around offices all over the world creating a little delight and fun on an ordinary day.
Do you surround yourself with beauty and share it? Most people are willing to share pictures of their loved ones in their offices at work. These are the people they find most beautiful. When you visit someone’s office take the time to notice the pictures, look at the smiles, ask questions and let the person share more of themselves with you.
Other than family photo’s what other ways can you notice or share beauty at work? Appreciate your surroundings. Most office buildings have grounds with flowers and trees and walkways. Take a deep breath as you walk into the office and notice the care and attention that has been given to your arrival.
Notice unique décor in people’s offices. Be willing to hang a colorful reminder of your own family tradition or culture. If you manage people - encourage them to personalize their space. There are artists among you: photographers, painters, sketchers, sculptures, and gardeners just to name a few. Perhaps there is a wall, a small shelf where they can display something special to them.
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| A few needlepoint wonders from a financial guru |
I also encourage sharing beauty on a company scale. Have annual spirited contribution exchanges. Let your employees showcase their artistic gifts.
Even one our greatest scientists recognized the importance of beauty. Albert Einstein in his essay “What I believe” in 1930 said “.. The ideals which have guided my way, and time after time have given me the energy to face life, have been Kindness, Beauty and Truth.”
What beauty do you celebrate in your life?
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