While observing these sorts of things is great for people of all ages, my 7 and 9 year especially like to do a “sit spot”. (Thank you Martin and Sylvia audio stories and their bushcraft school for fostering this skill). Sit Spot is sitting for a certain amount of time alone, in one place, outdoors and just observing (through a window works in a pinch). Nature journaling and sketching is welcome during this time, too. My guys older can hold attention to this for 10 or 15 minutes. My little one can sit a few minutes quietly on my lap.
For myself, as I notice the beauty around me, be it an unfurling leaf in the backyard or a flash sunny smile and freckled nose of one of my kids, I am trying to make it a habit to thank God.
“Thank you God, for that flower that just made me smile.”
“Thank you God for that bird’s interesting call.”
“God, I am so grateful for my child’s sweet artwork.”
Micro-prayers are a way to layer in connection beyond myself, which is another way to combat isolation. When I focus on beauty, I think I feel myself growing a bit inside, just like the flowers are.
As Easter draws near, may this song of beauty from dust bring you hope and encouragement:
https://web.archive.org/web/20200721053058if_/https://www.youtube.com/embed/1spkhp41ig4
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