SEPTEMBER STILL LIFE
“Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives. Such striving may seem admirable, but it is the way of foolishness. Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life. Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples and pears. Show them how to cry when pets and people die. Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand. And make the ordinary come alive for them. The extraordinary will take care of itself.”
In an effort to exercise good mental health during a low time of sadness, boredom, grief, or depression, take photos of ordinary findings around your neighborhood. Try to find one thing everyday that you find attractive or interesting. File these images into a separate folder on your phone or computer. Over time, being able to see this collection of images all together will reveal the beauty of everyday life that you personally consider marvelous. The images are proof of your personal values reflected back to you during a time when knowing your value or values might be difficult.
The act of leaving your house, observing and documenting moments of beauty in the ever-changing world around us is a daily practice of presence and gratitude, connects us with our physical surrounding to avoid isolation and alienation, and instills a sense of acceptance of change and active movement toward growth.
