Pluck the flowers … smell the roses

I was reminded this week that in some ways we create for ourselves the “busy-ness” of life.  A calmer presence, a slower pace … breathing … in … out … taking time … that’s a choice … 

Two poets speak to this idea …

Heaven’s joy transcends the joys of earth,
But if earth’s joys be pure
They must have had a heavenly birth,
And bless while they endure;
So pluck the flower before it fades—
Drink from the purling stream;
Nor look for sorrow’s darkening shades,
But for the morning gleam.
~ Joseph Horatio Chant 

Hey Mister, where you going in such a hurry
Don’t you think it’s time you realized
There’s a whole lot more ot life than work and worry
All the sweetest things in life are free
And they’re right before your eyes
You’ve got to stop and smell the roses
You’ve got to count your many blessings everyday
You’re gonna find your way to heaven is a rough and rocky road
If you don’t stop and smell the roses along the way
~ Mac Davis 

And so … ways to slow down …

   Take a walk … through the neighborhood, at the park, by the creek

            Listen to music … especially classical music for the cello

       Sit on the porch and read or better yet … just listen to the birds

                 Dabble with paints or capture nature’s beauty on film

Pluck the flowers … smell the roses …