April Day Brighteners......day 21 Extreme Close Up

"Extreme Close Up"

How many of us really see the little things? They are absolutely everywhere, but many of us find ourselves so busy with our lists and work and errands, etc. that our pace doesn't allow for noticing the little things.

A trip through the supermarket many years ago with my then-toddler allowed me the opportunity to notice things I normally would have overlooked. That little guy walked next to the cart and proceeded to point out all the electrical outlets that were, for me, at knee level or slightly above. His fascination for all things electrical had him locating all plug outlets everywhere we went. It was like taking a field trip with a mini engineer. One day, he pointed upward to show me an escaped helium balloon hugging the ceiling. Who would even consider looking at the ceiling while sorting through which apples to buy?

I continued to have millions of chances to notice tiny things in the environment such as a praying mantis on a rock (have you ever noticed how incredibly small their eyes are and the ease with which they swing their heads around to look back at us as if to say, "You lookin' at me?"). Other little things have captured my attention like finding a heart shaped stone, coins in a car park, or an usually colored leaf.

For today....stop and take a close look at something you'd usually walk by without really taking notice...the bark on a tree, a cloud formation, a spider web covered with water droplets, the color of the greens in your salad, or my recent favorite, a flower, with all its delicate forms and colors. Tiny miracles.

What other world will you get to see by slowing your pace and changing your focus?

April Day Brighteners......day 20...Spending Time in Water

"Spending Time in Water"

What is so magical about being in or near water? We begin our lives floating in water, protected until we are ready to emerge into the world. Until then, we are free floating, kicking and turning every which way, creating ripples and waves of movement across our mothers' bellies. Suspended in liquid, we change in each moment until the day of the big arrival on dry land and then we are welcomed with a big slap. Yeah, nice after that relaxing existence of weightlessness for nine months. Welcome to reality.

This mystical connection to water compels many of us to seek being nearer to it whenever possible. The arts fest I attended last summer took place near a river and attracted hundreds of thousands of people. In one area, fountain jets intermittently shot water about eight or ten feet into the air, prompting kids to dash between the streams of water. I heard great squeals of delight from the kids as the adults watched from the sidelines.

Proximity to water is a big attraction for many of us...the lure of a beach, lake or river calls us. Maybe being near water connects us back to our beginning, feels good and provides us with an opportunity to let go of resistance that can take the form of negative thinking, rumination or general irritability. Nature offers delightful ways to soothe ourselves.

Want to see the positive effects water can have?  Watch a baby splash in the kitchen sink, preschoolers playing in a sprinkler, or even the sight of a dog frolicking along the shoreline at the beach.

Today, really enjoy being around water in one way or another and remember, the shower, a kitchen sink full of dishes, and the gentle bubbling of a fountain have all been the starting points of inspiration that became novels, paintings and new musical compositions. Being in water sets us free, for the moment, and opens the window for whispers of inspiration to reach us. Play in water today and see what comes your way.

April Day Brighteners.....day 18... Playing with Clay

"Play with Clay"

Stopping at a supermarket recently to pick up a bottle of glue, I spied a display of Play Doh next to the magazine rack. Amazing to see what is available when standing in the queue. 
One can for only 88 cents. How could I pass up such a deal? Impulse purchase marketing strategies aside, I grabbed one.

Once home, I pulled it from the can, squeezing that irresistible and familiar softness. Of course I had to deeply inhale that signature Play Doh scent. I was instantly 8 years old, ready to sculpt something amazing. The most forgiving of art materials, it allowed me as a kid to create and recreate an infinite number of times. A fish became a turtle which became a dog which  then turned into a fat snake and finally, a stack of pancakes, complete with butter pats.

A nearby fork created decorative patterns and for a short while, I was a real sculptor, making the clay do whatever I wanted. It made me feel powerful, creative and inventive, almost invincible. It also was somehow relaxing and when finished, I'd smash my latest creature and pop it back into the can for the next time I felt like watching it go through the whole transformation process again.

I ran across a study that described how some people have benefited immensely by manipulating clay. Playing with clay, it said:

1. Reduces stress levels 
2. Clears and relaxes an overwhelmed brain 
3. Promotes a feeling of  well being 
4. Provides an opportunity for having fun

Next time you see Play Doh, or something similar, grab it or better yet, make your own with one of the many recipes available online and let your inner kid-sculptor come alive.

April Day Brighteners......#14 Sniff Something Wonderful

"Take a Sniff of Something Wonderful"

How often have you smelled something and been instantly transported to another time or place? I remember sitting once at a dentist's office, flipping through a magazine and running across one of those scratch n sniff type foldouts, an advert for some kind of fragrance. There were several scattered throughout the magazine and by the time the receptionist called my name, the waiting room smelled like the perfume counter in a department store. As I was about 10 at the time, I remember wondering why they didn't have chocolate, peppermint, lemon, coconut and peanut butter smells in there rather than women's perfumes.

For me, the scent of Linden trees and bread baking takes me back to when I was six years old, accompanying my grandmother to the nearby neighborhood bakery. Although I usually avoid using the present moment to delve into ancient history, experiencing a pleasant smell is always a bit of a treat as it reminds me of a happy time.

For today, take a few minutes to really take in a scent you love. This could take the form of a flower, freshly ground coffee beans, the gentle fragrance of jasmine tea, a cinnamon candle, or a fresh lemon peel. Open a spice jar and see where the scent takes you.

April Day Brighteners.......Day #13 Talk to a Kid

"Talk to a Kid"

I feel fortunate to have plenty of opportunities on a daily basis to talk with kids. What I enjoy most about this is:

1. They light up when asked about what they love to do

2. They are focused on the present moment (about 99% of the time)

3. They share ideas that are way outside the box

4.  They often tend to look at life through the lense of optimism, joy, and fun.

In a short video I recently watched, when kids were interviewed and asked the question, "If you could change anything about your body, what would it be?"

The delightful replies were things like..."I'd have wings so I could fly over my neighborhood," and "I'd have super strong legs to jump over the tops of trees," and, one of my favorites, "I'd have a mermaid tale."

Talking with a kid is a fun way to add a bit of something special to the day....

April Day Brighteners.....#12 Mini Mind Vacation

"Mini Mind Vacation"

As a kid, I remember seeing an ad on tv that made quite an impression on me. A very tired and overwhelmed woman stood in her house, surrounded by barking dogs, screaming children and ringing telephones. She threw her hands up in the air and yelled, "Calgon, take me away!" I waited to find out what Calgon actually was and how it would manage to take her away from all that noise and chaos.

The next image was the woman reclining in a scented, bubble filled tub, eyes closed and relaxing. That was her great escape? A bunch of soap that foamed up so big, it looked as if she were sitting in a cloud?  It's a nice idea I guess, disappearing into a foaming bliss, but also rather impractical, especially when I'm nowhere near a bathtub or a big supply of soap while I am at work.

I've found a way to give myself a few minutes to slow down and relax and without all the work. This would probably work well just about anywhere, except when maybe driving a car or operating heavy machinery.

Day 12..........Close your eyes and take a mini mind vacation.

1. Take 3 slow, deep breaths

2. Close your eyes and select a place to visit (mountains, beach, forest, or any place that's enjoyable to the max)

3. Experience that special place with all your senses...can you feel the sun or the rain? What can you see? What smells are in the air? What sounds do you hear? Can you sip or nibble on something you really like?

4. Revel in it for a few minutes and when ready, bring yourself back to the present. See if taking that little holiday made your day a little more peaceful.

Where will you choose to travel today?

April Day Brighteners....day 8 "Show your style"

"Show your style"

Ever notice someone who dresses a bit differently than everyone else? Maybe they are wearing something splashy, unusual or just downright bold or bizarre? Little kids often do this when they go out dressed in some outfit they selected themselves. I love it when I spot one who is wearing something like a combo of a pink dance leotard and tutu, a faux cheetah jacket and miniature cowboy boots over purple fuzzy socks. These little guys often get compliments and smiles on their  creative fashion combinations. They probably do not care what other people think and are too busy being themselves and having fun to notice anyone's reaction.

Did you have a favorite outfit as a kid that made you feel like a million bucks when you wore it? The outfit that didn't get washed that often because it wasn't off your body long enough to get through the wash cycle?  It's funny how wearing a certain item can really make a big difference in the way we feel. It was a most delightful grocery shopping excursion for me years ago when my then-5 year old daughter wore her snake costume to the grocery store. Heads were turning and smiles all around as she hopped through the store, exploring everything as a fuzzy, green snake.

Years ago, when I began working with kids doing art in the schools, I decided to revisit the idea of weird and wild clothes. I figured I could get away with it. My favorite outfit was one I made myself...I spent hours sewing and constructing it and the day I showed up in purple lobster-covered green pants with matching sweatshirt and lobster earrings, I got the big scowl from my boss and the thumbs up from the kids. This very special outfit was reserved for work only and I have to say, I felt pretty awesome wearing it.

For today....wear something that makes you feel marvelous...could be anything from your favorite shirt, to wild socks to a piece of jewelry or a wild and crazy hat...some item that lets you show your own unique style....and makes you feel like a million bucks.