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James Bailey's avatar

Matthew - this morning, for the past 5 minutes, you are my rose. 🌹

“The beauty of the rose is only to be witnessed, like I might witness through tears a singer who has cracked open their heart, or a father who has released control and allowed connection.”

🙏 thank you, and thank you Kelly for bringing Matthew’s heart to us.

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Matthew Sloane's avatar

Thank you, James. That's very sweet of you 🩵

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Kelly Flanagan's avatar

Matthew, this morning it was the deer that won. More than a dozen of them in three separate families on my bike ride. Without this post, I would have seen them but I wouldn't have appreciated them. I don't think I would have noticed how beautiful they are in their early morning togetherness around "the breakfast table." Thank you, my friend.

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Matthew Sloane's avatar

What a gorgeous site. I can imagine them.

I need this reminder too. Rushing through my morning and as I slow down, resting to wonder what beauty can I acknowledge? The sunlight on my rosemary bush is calling me now.

And thank you for sharing my words with this beautiful community, Kelly 🩵

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Kelly Flanagan's avatar

It's a good reminder that attention and beauty aren't something you figure out and then can put on automatic pilot. The work of awareness is ongoing and never ending, but it becomes more rewarding the longer we work at it!

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Matthew Sloane's avatar

Well said!

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Marilyn Haverly's avatar

Oh, I know this scenario! I’ve read this post in the “Peace Garden” at Pod Brooklyn Hotel where I’ve been comfortably ensconced the last 4 nights. I return home today and I’ll carry the beauty of 4 perfect days enjoying the company of my adult daughter who lives here and the delight of many experiences of NYC. I love this place and I saw so much beauty-in people, nature, and things. Beauty is everywhere!!

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Matthew Sloane's avatar

Sounds amazing, Marilyn. What a gift to return home with that delight!

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Kathleen's avatar

The first ray of daylight is my beauty. A new beginning. Every.Single.Day.🌹

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Matthew Sloane's avatar

It's such a magical time of day. Thank you, Kathleen.

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Marilyn W.'s avatar

Thanks for sharing Matthew’s message with us Kelly!

The unsung hero of it all seems to be Remembering.

The moment where I remember how precious and valuable the feeling in the connection is. Even if it hurts. Or disappoints. Whether it’s to a thought or a thumb, or another living creature. Desired Outcomes be damned.

I’m Sooooo lucky to just return..to Be with and in these moments!

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Kelly Flanagan's avatar

Truly my pleasure, Marilyn! And leave it to you to name the unseen thing that can't be seen and yet allows all of our deepest Seeing! Awareness. Oneness. The Present. Appreciate you, Marilyn!

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Donna Urban's avatar

This is so timely for me. I've been trying to practice stopping. Stopping to see, feel, smell, listen.

I have no trouble with stopping for taste (;

Summers are BUSY for me..lots of things to distract. BUT, what a wonderful reminder to know that the beauty that is HERE is here whether or not I stop. Wait..that almost feels like an insult! It won't stop for ME? I love it..a bit of humility never hurts. Thank you for sharing.

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Matthew Sloane's avatar

Humility. That's a good word for me too when I allow awe in the face of beauty, Donna. Thank you for sharing your experience.

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