I had an experience this week, filled with beauty.

I walked outside of my home office and I heard the next door neighbor’s 3 year old daughter calling me. She was at the usual place at the fence, fitting under the large shrubs.

“Neighbor” she said. “I have something for you.”

I’ve told her my name many times, and I guess my new name is “neighbor.”

With all that’s going on in our world right now, her voice and presence is a lovely distraction. Her 14 month old brother was right by her side. Even though he can’t talk, his smile is infectious. The good type of infectious.

She reached out her little hand and through the plain chain link fence she handed me a beautiful feather.

“It’s from the Spirit,” she said. Spirit is one of the four chickens that live next door.

I looked at the rust and white feather in the palm of my hand, and I said, “thank you.”

What gift of beauty can I give?

In an instant I was scanning my brain to figure out what gift of beauty I could give her.

I walked inside my office and on my meditation altar are a collection of small feathers. I decided that a bright blue and black striped blue jay feather would be perfect.

“Daya, would you like a special feather too? This is a blue jay feather from my yard,” I said.

Together, we exchanged smiles and giggles over the wonders of mother nature.

I’m curious, what tiny interactions have you come across lately that have put a smile on your face?

They may seem insignificant at the time.

Like glancing at the brilliant changing colors of leaves or a flock of birds flying south. Your child touches your heart through their expression. Or someone says thank you.

Smiles, giggles and noticing beauty goes a long way in lightening our mood. And best of all feeling good ripples out to others.

I’d love to hear about your beauty filled ideas and experiences that light you and others up.