Life moves fast, doesn’t it? Especially when you’re juggling work and taking care of a busy toddler like my little Ezra! There’s always something to do, and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks and to-do lists. But one of the greatest gifts Ezra has given me is the reminder to *slow down* and notice the beauty all around. His curious eyes make me pause and see the world in ways I might have otherwise missed. Children have this natural ability to live in the moment, and they can be our greatest teachers in mindfulness and joy.
In this blog post, I want to share how we can all learn to see the world as beautiful, even in the busiest and most chaotic moments. By shifting our perspective and practicing mindfulness, we can awaken to the beauty that’s always around us, waiting to be noticed.
Look Through the Eyes of Joy: Mindfulness in Every Moment
Have you ever noticed how children approach the world? They’re fascinated by the smallest details—a leaf on the sidewalk, the way sunlight dances through the trees, or even the patterns on a cereal box! Ezra, for example, often stops me in my tracks to look at something I would have passed by without a second thought. His ability to see beauty everywhere reminds me to slow down and be present.
When we approach life mindfully, we can experience it more deeply. Instead of rushing from task to task, try taking a moment to *really* look around. Pick an object, maybe something you see every day, like your favorite coffee mug or a houseplant. Observe it with fresh eyes: notice its texture, color, and shape. Hold it, feel it, breathe deeply, and just *be* with it.
Mindfulness is about being fully aware of the present moment without judgment. When we practice mindfulness, we open our hearts and minds to the beauty that’s always there but often overlooked.
As Thich Nhat Hanh says, “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” This is a simple yet profound reminder that we don’t need to search far and wide for beauty. It’s right here, in the present, waiting to be seen.
Connect with Nature: Beauty in the Natural World
One of the best ways to reconnect with the beauty of life is through nature. There’s something undeniably magical about being outside—whether it’s in a bustling city park, your own backyard, or a peaceful forest trail. Nature has a way of grounding us and reminding us of life’s simple pleasures.
For me, taking Ezra outside, even if it’s just for a quick walk, shifts my perspective. He stops to look at every flower, every rock, and every bird that flies by, making me appreciate these small wonders that I would have otherwise missed. These little moments are pure beauty!
Next time you’re outside, slow down and use all of your senses to experience the world. Feel the cool breeze on your skin, listen to the rustling of leaves, smell the fresh air, and watch the changing colors of the sky. Even the sound of birds chirping can be a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us.
A Course in Miracles reminds us, “Everything is either love or a call for love.” Nature is an expression of love. By being present with it, we can feel more connected to the joy and beauty of the world.
Use Your Breath as an Anchor to Joy
In the midst of chaos—whether I’m responding to emails or trying to entertain Ezra—my breath is my anchor. Taking a deep, mindful breath is a simple yet powerful way to ground ourselves and come back to the present moment.
When you feel stress creeping in, pause. Take a long, deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs completely. Then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this a few times. As you do, notice how the tension begins to melt away. You don’t have to do anything else—just focus on your breath and be present with it.
This conscious breathing practice can shift your perspective and help you see the beauty in even the most hectic moments.
Shift Your Perspective with Yoga: Wild Thing Pose
This profound teaching from *A Course in Miracles* speaks to the transformative power of love when it is embraced fully. Perfect love—true, unconditional love—does not coexist with fear. Fear is a construct of the ego, a reflection of our doubts, insecurities, and the illusion of separation from others and from life itself. But when we choose love, when we open our hearts fully, fear dissolves.
In many ways, the yoga pose Wild Thing (Camatkarasana) embodies this lesson. When we practice Wild Thing, we open our chest to the sky, lift our hearts, and lean into a sense of freedom and expansion. It’s a pose that requires vulnerability as you flip your body into an unconventional posture, trusting your strength and balance. This openness is symbolic of the way we can open our hearts to life and love without holding back.
Think about the way fear can hold us back in life—it causes us to close ourselves off, to guard our hearts, and to retreat from the world. Fear tells us that we might fail, that we aren’t enough, or that we might get hurt if we open up too much. But love, as *A Course in Miracles* teaches, is the antidote to all of these worries. Perfect love means trusting fully, embracing vulnerability, and stepping into the present moment without fear.
When we open our hearts in Wild Thing, we practice letting go of the need for control and certainty. We stretch beyond our comfort zones and step into the beauty of the unknown. This pose teaches us that when we approach life with an open heart—free from fear—we create space for joy, love, and connection to flourish.
So, as you flow into Wild Thing, think of it as more than just a physical posture. Imagine your heart opening to the world, letting go of fear, and radiating love instead. Let the joy of the pose remind you that life is beautiful when we live without fear, and that love is our natural state of being. In this way, Wild Thing becomes a physical expression of the spiritual truth that *perfect love casts out fear* and brings us into alignment with our truest, most joyful selves.
How to do Wild Thing
- Start in a plank position.
- Slowly roll onto the outer edge of your right foot, stacking your left foot on top (side plank).
- Lift your left hand up toward the sky and gently flip your body, letting your left foot step behind you.
- Arch your back, lift your hips high, and open your chest, reaching your left arm behind you as you gaze upward.
How it helps: Wild Thing is a pose of expansion and joy. It opens your heart and allows you to see the world from a different angle—both physically and mentally. When you’re in this pose, you can imagine yourself opening up to the beauty of life, letting go of fears, and embracing the unknown with joy and confidence.
I often practice Wild Thing when I need to shake off stress and remind myself that life is beautiful, even when it’s messy. In this pose, I feel open, free, and full of gratitude for the simple moments, like laughing with Ezra or watching him discover something new.
Embrace Joy in the Everyday: Lessons from Ezra
As a busy mom, I’m often rushing through tasks—multitasking while cooking, working, and keeping Ezra entertained. But Ezra has a way of pulling me back into the present. Whether it’s through his infectious laughter or his fascination with the world around him, he reminds me to pause, breathe, and *see* the beauty in the everyday.
One day, Ezra and I were walking outside. I chose the moment to get some stuff done on my phone. (You know how it is.) But Ezra tugged at my leg and handed me a rock. In that moment, I couldn’t help but smile. He wasn’t worried about the to-do list or the emails. He didn’t care what would happen tomorrow. Or even in five minutes. He lives fully in the present. Wow! So of course, I was reminded to do the same. That rock became a symbol of the simple beauty that’s always available when we slow down.
Children remind us that joy isn’t found in big, grand gestures—it’s in the little moments of connection, curiosity, and wonder. It’s in the way the sunlight hits the leaves, the sound of laughter, or the feeling of a soft breeze. These moments are always there if we take the time to notice them.
See the Beauty, Feel the Joy
When we slow down, practice mindfulness, connect with nature, breathe deeply, and shift our perspective, we can awaken to the beauty that’s always around us. Whether you’re practicing Wild Thing, taking a walk in nature, or simply pausing to breathe, these moments of awareness can transform your day and fill it with joy.
Let’s make a commitment to see the world with fresh eyes today. Embrace the beauty, feel the joy, and remember—life is beautiful, right here, right now.
Want More Tips on Finding Joy and Mindfulness?
Check out my YouTube channel and Patreon, where I share yoga flows, meditations, and daily practices to help you find more peace and joy in your life. Together, we’ll continue to embrace the beauty of the world, one breath at a time.
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