I’ve been brushing up on my drawing skills by reading a book that I’ve had since college when I took art classes: The Natural Way to Draw by Kimon Nicolaides. He says, “Loosen up. Relax . . . There are many things in life that you cannot get by a brutal approach. You must invite them.”

Hmmm. . . Do I force bulbs to bloom indoors in winter, or do I invite them to bloom by providing the right conditions? Do I try to force my grandson to eat lunch, or do I invite him? Do I force respect or do I invite it? There are, of course, some areas in life when compliance is enforced. But “there are many things in life that you cannot get by a brutal approach. You must invite them.” So “loosen up. Relax . . .” Maybe I need to brush up on my life skills.

Invite peace and nurture it. Cultivate kindness and carry the calm.

Nature of the week:

Shadow of the Week—a suncatcher:

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Text and photos © 2022 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.