I was skimming quickly through Architectural Digest, impatiently collecting pictures for a treasure map project. Although I rarely find time to read it, I order the magazine to help expand my prosperity consciousness. Creating a collage of its
exquisite images can be a lot of fun, a delightful path to dreaming bigger and living larger.
Occasionally I'd find an appealing image and cut it out. Most I rejected with just a cursory glance.
On a few I thought, "What an ugly sofa," or "what a cluttered look." Instead of expanding my appreciation for graceful living,
I was actually reinforcing my negative judgment and criticism. If I don’t find beauty there, where will I find it?
I stopped and chose again. On each page, I would ask myself, "what do I like about this?”
I began to see so many things I had missed earlier. An inviting, open French door, a lovely, rich wood grain, lilacs and orchids, vivid colors,
effective lighting, clean lines, luscious tomatoes in a shiny metal bowl. Suddenly the pages lit up with beauty. My
shoulders relaxed and I smiled.
British floral designer Constance Spry once said, "China tea, the scent of hyacinths, wood fires and bowls of violets -- that is
my mental picture of an agreeable February afternoon." A vision of opulence, indeed. But note, it is a
mental picture. Her imagination created a vision, a mosaic of pieces she had observed elsewhere.
As I relax and focus on what I appreciate about magazine pictures, I practice discerning the good in everything I see. Concurrently,
I increase my collection of beautiful images from which to create my own mental collage of a gracious life.
I now choose to know there is something beautiful to appreciate in everything and everyone. Today I relax and practice exploring the
mystery of those things in life which do not so easily yield their secret exquisiteness. I discover life is truly beautiful.
Connee Chandler, RScP
Published Thursday 5/31/2001, page 69