From merriam-webster.com, this is the second definition for “kaleidoscope.”
something resembling a kaleidoscope: such as
a. a variegated changing pattern or scene
b. a succession of changing phases or actions
c. a diverse collection
I’ve always enjoyed kaleidoscopes. The different patterns. The various ways of seeing.
Where I live, we’re still seeing bits of fall color as we move toward the end of November. It’s also been unseasonably warm. On a recent hike, the leaf above captured my attention. It reminded me a bit of a kaleidoscope as I held it up to the sun and photographed it at very places in the woods. The yellow glowed bright with shards of orange and green scattered throughout.
The leaf captured my fancy, and I pressed in the pages of a heavy book so that I can enjoy it a bit longer. Eventually, it will fade and crumble. As all things do. I appreciate how it reminded me to stop and pay attention. To really see.
There’s so much beauty in this time in-between seasons.
Two red-bellied woodpeckers flitting from one tree to the next.
A thick, crunchy brown carpet of oak leaves.
Plump cattails standing tall on the riverbank.
Fluffy goldenrod gone to seed.
All reminding me to be open to seeing the possibilities everywhere. Ways of seeing nature. And also ways of seeing emotions, events, feelings, relationships, roles, situations. Being curious about things instead of judging or quantifying.
***
On this morning’s walk, besides seeing the beauties described above and at least a dozen people fishing along and inside the river, there was also a lot to hear. The woodpeckers, yes. And also lots of chipmunks and squirrels busily scurrying about in the carpet of leaves. The rushing water of the river. There was also a man playing a guitar and singing on the opposite bank. It was so lovely and peaceful.
And yet there’s so many places devoid of peace right now. Tragedies abound. Hatred shows up. We can see that the world is full of darkness and sorrow. That’s a fact. We can’t ignore it or turn away. We must each find our own ways to try to make the world a better place.
And also, we must still see and find beauty, delight, and joy. This week of Thanksgiving, may you find light and gratitude. And may you share that light and gratitude with those you meet.
As always, thanks for reading my words.
Gratefully,
Mary
This made me thing of this quote that I love. It helped me out when I was feeling broken.
The idea behind a kaleidoscope is that it's a structure that's filled with broken bits and pieces, and somehow if you can look through them, you still see something beautiful. I feel we are all that way.
Grateful for you, Mary - with your writing you continually remind me to stop - to look and listen. xoxo