Going Deeper

The art of deep seeing makes gratitude possible. And it is the art of gratitude that makes joy possible.  Ann Voskamp

Underneath black and white, there are all the shades of gray. Not only that, the entire spectrum of colors are buried below the surface as well. If I limit myself to only that which is apparent in a quick look, I rob myself of the magnificence of possibility.

Don’t get me wrong; there is a plenitude of things to feel gratitude for right out in the open, and those things need to be noticed and appreciated. Sometimes, though, the ‘art of deep seeing’ is necessary. I often need to dig deeper, understand more clearly the big picture, or simply be open to that which isn’t readily apparent, in order to find my joy. The good news is that it’s there! All the time! Every time!

Our world needs more joy now than ever. What can I do to contribute? I can notice. I can offer compassion, give thanks, and amplify the good which exists all around me. I can show kindness to one person at a time, I can offer thoughts of peace to those in turmoil, I can recognize our shared humanity no matter how we may otherwise differ. I can widen my perspective and shrink my opinions. 

One day at a time, I will be open to the deep seeing which leads to the possibility of gratitude. In so doing, may I open the doors of Joy for myself and those with whom I interact.

And so it is.