I believe in the power of beauty. And look for it in every possible moment or location.

Beauty can dissolve conflicts, inspire people, and create an immediate sense of calm, happiness and serenity.

Recently, two small things of beauty found their way into my home and instantly brought a sense of harmony and peace – a stunning lotus art print and fresh fragrant flowers from my garden. Each flower (or group of blooms) has its own message.

The lotus grows deep in the mud, away from the sun, and reaches for the light to blossom into a stunning flower. This print, created from an original lotus stitched in silk by contemporary textile artist Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo, reminds me each day that beautiful things can burst through even the muddiest waters.  Or as Leslie says, that we can always rise out of our circumstances.

The showy, fluffy peonies from my garden, which are the ‘glamour girls’ of the horticulture scene, remind me that beauty can be found in our own backyard – anytime, anywhere.

Both these simple, elegant works of beauty, easily found and easily planted, set a lovely mood and ‘Zen’ tone for my home – I like to call it “high but grounded.”

Where do you find beauty?