Beauty is all around us
The following passage was written by Texas Children’s Chaplain Pam Krinock.
In the kitchen of my childhood home there was a pottery bowl with an inscription by Goethe on it that read, “Every day one should at least hear one little song, read one good poem, see one fine painting and speak a few sensible words.” One year I made this quote my New Year’s resolution. As we plod on through this era of social distancing, with its disruption of normal activities, trying to remain resolved to keep ourselves and others safe, I keep seeing that bowl and hearing its words of wisdom echo in my heart. For certain, it is noticing the beautiful things in life that keep us centered.
I feel so blessed to work in a place where I can hear the soothing music of our music therapists playing in our patients’ rooms and our patient’s voices release inner emotion in song. Walking down any hallway I can see fanciful paintings created by children and cannot help but be cheered. As I am in and out of patient rooms, I daily hear a few kind words unfurl the tendrils of compassion that reach out to where our physical touch can no longer go. Looking out of the windows in our patient buildings, we have the opportunity to notice “God’s sky art,” as one child labeled the clouds and rays of sun. Recently I was deeply touched by a beautiful sculpture. Someone, after listening to the family’s stories about their little boy’s love of baseball, put a baseball in his hand as he lay intubated. This tender gesture will leave a lasting impression. Beauty is all around us. Our words and gestures provide the rhythm when our days need structure and direction.
Poetry in particular is helping me to maintain a sense of connection to the wider world these days. It makes me laugh, or cry, and connects me to the heart of another in ways I could not have imagined. I am taking the time to discover new poets. Lynn Ungar is a current favorite as she has written quite creatively during the pandemic. In her poem Toilet Paper she ponders over our beliefs about what will keep us safe.
How many rolls will make you safe?
Wouldn’t it be better if you, yourself,
were multi-layered and soft, and strong?
I cherish each day working with all of you. Together we are multi-layered, and soft, and strong. I hope that you too will bask in the beauty around us and that it will give meaning, rhythm and a soulfulness to your days.