Cultivating Delight
Last week at our Flourish gathering, we were sharing some of the things that made us anxious, the very reasons many of us had come in the first place. The atmosphere grew heavy, the stress almost tangible. Then came a simple directive: look around the room and find something that gives you delight.
For me, the choice was easy. While helping set up earlier in the day, I had noticed a couple of small mammal skulls in the space (which also hosts children’s programs). I made a beeline for them and picked the one that spoke to me most.
The small skull that delighted me and a couple of delightful artworks.
Instantly, the mood in the room shifted, from anxiety and heaviness to delight and lightness. As we shared what we had chosen with those sitting nearby, the energy lifted. It was a powerful reminder of how even a small object can change our perspective. Later, I realized just how essential this practice is: looking for delight in little things isn’t a frivolous pastime, it’s a lifeline in times of stress and upheaval.
I’ve always had a tendency to notice the beauty in small, common things in nature: the shape and texture of a stone, the shimmering colors of a feather, or the intricate joints of a tiny skull. These discoveries ground me, calm me, and bring me hope. What might appear trivial on the surface has become, for me, an essential practice for resilience.
When we practice delight in community and share it with others, the joy multiplies. There’s something so satisfying about watching someone else “ooh” and “ah” over a treasure I’ve found. My artwork is an extension of that impulse. It allows me to share the wonder I experience—collecting, exploring, and celebrating overlooked treasures—while creating pieces that become tangible reminders of delight that others can live with every day.
When someone brings one of my artworks into their home, it’s more than decoration. Each piece serves as a gentle nudge to pause, notice, and find delight in the midst of life’s heaviness. In a way, every artwork is an invitation to Flourish.
So, I encourage you to practice delight today. Look around and notice something that sparks joy. Take a moment to really engage with it, and let that joy soak in. And if you’d like to bring a lasting reminder of that practice into your own space, I invite you to explore my artwork, you may find something that sparks delight for you and becomes a focal point for hope and healing.
Because no matter what else is happening around us, delight is always close at hand, if we’re willing to look for it.
