Mindful Moments on Mindful Travellers

Mother's Day

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sun, 10 May 2026 06:00:00 -0300

Take time today to celebrate mothers. Ones that are alive, and those who have passed. Today I am lucky enough to have my mom and my daughter close by in distance. We will have some time all together today and I am so grateful. I cherish these moments. Traveling can bring distance between families, so when you get the chance celebrate together. Whether you are close or whether you are far, take a moment to rejoice that we all are here because of a mother that held us before we could hold themselves! Happy Mother’s Day to all.

Expect the Unexpected

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sat, 09 May 2026 06:00:00 -0300

This morning an extra early wake up call. Taking the open road for the cottage. Today is opening day, and we need to be there extra early for Internet delivery. We were told that delivery time would be between eight and five today, so packed up from the night before, off we go.

We arrive early and got started by unpacking, then I got all the furniture set up outside, Mr. Mindful Traveller meanwhile got the water started. This requires crawling under the cottage, just to find out that there was a pipe burst over the winter. A mud pit under the cottage has developed, creating an unexpected slip and slide.

Taking a Class

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

When you are away on vacation or even home, take a class. You can learn a new skill or hone in on an old skill. There are so many great classes. This year I did a few craft classes while away, pottery and macrame. It is a great way to learn local cuisine, language or even dance. Get involved, meet new people it is always enjoyable to learn something new, you might just like it!

The Sun Also Rises

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Waking up early is the best part of the day! I get up, I prepare a coffee and watch the sun rise to begin another amazing day filled with promise. I sit in quiet listening to the birds chirp and contemplate what lies ahead. Will today be filled with activity or will I chose a calm day? I get to decide and in the still of the morning the possibilities are endless. Mornings are my favourite part of the day, they belong to me. In those moments I am there in contemplation, imagining, dreaming of what can be. It’s the best time to be mindful, my body in top form after a restful nights sleep. I am ready for the day ahead, just like the sun rising and getting brighter, I too feel more awake. Let’s do this!

Keeping Fit

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I can not say I enjoy running, however the euphoria I feel after a run is magical. Keeping fit allows me to go places comfortably without worry. Fitness is something I hold deep to my heart, without it there would be no travel. Today I challenged myself to a run. I haven’t ran a 5 km in a few years but thought , let’s see if I still have it. It was raining so I got on the treadmill and got started. I tried not to push too hard too fast. I put the tunes on and I ran, I wanted to stop before the 5 minute mark but knew I could do it so kept going, after 10 minutes I found a good rhythm and my body adjusted. My earbuds let me know I had a pretty good pace for a first run, so at 20 minutes I upped the pace and again at 25 and then at 28 for a pretty fast last km. Finishing with 31 minutes, I feel great! 👍🏽 Go do something that scares you take that first step! It just might lead to a love of something new. It may come in handy for those close connections at the airport. 😜

Booking Ahead

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

When booking your flights we usually book well ahead of the departure date. We choose the cheapest flight but opt for comfort fare. Comfort fare allows for extra leg room and luggage. Often flight times will change and then you get to chose another option if you like. Having flexibility in time is a luxury, however if you can make it work better for you it can really make your trip more enjoyable. Who doesn’t like saving money and choices.

Opening the Cottage

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Getting ready to open the cottage is an exciting time. I love spending time so close to the beach. Always a task to divide up food and spices to bring from home to cottage. I really like cooking and it is important that I have a bit of everything so that we can enjoy our cottage meals. There is always cleaning to do and a good workout taking out all the outdoor furniture. In the end it is all worth it, for all those cottage life days. Let the cottage season begin!

Road Trip

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Taking a road trip can be a great adventure. It is important that you plan ahead to ensure a pleasant experience. We always bring a cooler bag, our travel mugs, with a coffee to go. Having a charcuterie on the road is our favourite. Easy to drive and eat at the same time. To pack it we use this snackle box.

Download your favourite podcast, I really enjoy The Diary Of A CEO on YouTube. Make sure you have a spare tire and a first aid kit and a blanket.

Time With Family

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sat, 02 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Today we take a car trip to visit our daughter. We pack snacks, fill the tank and download our favourite podcasts/ audio books for the drive. The sun is shinning which always makes driving and sight seeing more enjoyable. Who knows maybe today we go wild, let our hair down and crank up the tunes. Wherever your road trips may lead, I hope you take time to visit your loved ones along the way! « 🎼Get your motor running, headed on the hwy… 🎼 »

Getting Caught Up

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

When you go away for long stretches, you have lots to catch up on. Mail pilled up with important papers reminding you that just because you were on vacation doesn’t mean the world was at rest. Remember to check your licence for renewal date, credit cards that are close to expiration and file your taxes. Making sure you are caught up with all your identifications, registrations and legal obligations will give you peace of mind. Then you are ready for the next adventure.

Planning for the Next Adventure

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Watching videos of other people’s adventures can be inspiring. Where to next? I am inspired by others experiences. Sometimes I take a morning to watch travel T.V., other times I watch clips on Instagram or enjoy catching up with a fellow excursionist to chat about travel. Each of these experiences allows my imagination to grow wild and to help me plan for my next adventure. I look forward to my next trip, wherever that will lead!

Preparing for Life at Home

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

What do you do when you arrive home? I start by unpacking everything upon arrival. Putting in a load of laundry from the travel days. Then I leave to get groceries. It is important to eat on a schedule and to have healthy choices. I set up appointments like hair, massage, and even optometry from away. Why you may ask? It is my hack in getting through jet leg and time changes just seem easier when you have things to do. This forces me to get on a new schedule quickly and efficiently. Making being home a joy!

Delays … no Problem!

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

When travelling you have to anticipate the chance of delays. We often book flights with many hours in between to ensure smooth transitions. We have lounge passes and enjoy what lounges offer: more comfortable seating, unlimited drinks and food, and clean bathroom facilities. Many travel credit cards give lounge privileges as a perk.

Choose wisely and enjoy your travel days with a bit of luxury. Make the travel days part of the journey that you enjoy, not that in which you dread. Be prepared to have to wait longer—have a good book, music, or simply sit and enjoy people watching with a twist. Where are they from and where are they going? Always fun to try and guess.

Time to Go Home

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Today is a travel day. We have learned to make this day part of the journey and not just an inconvenience. It will take us 2 days to get home. So we prepare ahead: we pack snacks but plan for a night with room service and a good night’s sleep.

Opting for the later flight on the second day allows us to get a good night’s sleep without fear of missing the flight, or having to be at the airport so early. We try not to stress when there are delays, trying to use the lounges when we can. We give ourselves plenty of time to get through security.

All Good Things Come to an End

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

All travel has an end date. Packing can be a burden and can take away from the fun adventure that was had. When traveling I try to pack in packing cubes: Thule Compression Cube Set (Amazon.com). These cubes help to compress my clothes and new treasures so I can get them home in a way that is organized and I am able to separate the dirty from the clean. I also put all tops together and all bottoms together. This helps when unpacking and saves me time.

Public Transportation

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

When I visit unknown places it is so important to know how to get around. What are your options? You can walk, but most travel requires multiple sources of transportation.

How do the locals get around? Some places have metro systems or trains that can get you close to everything. There are buses that also have routes around the cities—sometimes even from one town to the next. Taxis, Ubers or renting a car can also be an option depending on what you are planning to do.

It's a Small World After All

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Have you ever been on vacation just to run into people you know? This happens so often to me and always makes me smile. Sometimes it’s people from one area of your life and you see them in a different context. Other times it’s people you know from home and then you randomly cross paths in another country.

Always mind blowing—it really is a small world. I am so grateful that I take the time to look around and that chance occurrences remind me of just how interconnected we all are.

The Company we Keep

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Meeting people on vacation is always a highlight for me. Some friends we have met on vacation have become lifelong friends. We have travelled to several destinations to meet up with one particular couple. Others are acquaintances that may pass by briefly in our travels.

These chance happenings could be someone you meet on the plane, or potentially you strike up a conversation in the pool—all of these people leave their mark. We are so fortunate as a human race to have the opportunities to communicate and to connect.

Exercise the Body

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

While traveling, how do we find the time to exercise? We pack a yoga mat and bring it wherever we go. Yoga is a great way to stay limber and to keep the mind and body fresh. There are many tutorials online that you can find from beginner to expert.

Another fun way to keep fit on vacation is to walk. Walking can happen in most places like the airport while waiting for a flight, a stroll to find a new trail, or a local attraction. Keep in mind that you should know a bit about where you are and if it is safe for walking.

Being Celebrated

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Being Celebrated

When you get to celebrate another year on this magnificent earth, you go big or you go home. Travel has a way of helping one remember all that one has to be grateful for. Sometimes the new family you meet on your travels have a way of celebrating that touches you, that reminds you why you enjoy your life and the people you keep in your circle. This year a neighbour knowing we are watching our sugar intake brought down a special gift, not a chocolate cake but a beautiful green apple with a candle. That candle holds a wish! Our wish for you all is that you get to uncover the beauty that travel holds. The blessings that surrounds us are insurmountable. Friends that pick up the tab for drinks and join you at your new favourite find (even if it was their second time there in the same day). We are blessed! Cheers to another year for my Mr. Mindful Traveler, may this year exceed his expectations and may each of you be reminded to celebrate every day.

Day Tripping: Off the Beaten Path

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Day Tripping: Off the Beaten Path

A day filled with amazing views, great food and conversation is in order. Day tripping can be the most amazing experience. Driving through mountains to glorious little towns. Down dirt roads that lead to beaches that seem abandoned and others that bustle with locals. Wherever your next day trip adventure leads, may it fill you with joy and gratitude. There are so many places that can remind you of the wonders of this great world we live in. A breathtaking vista, the ongoing mountain ranges, the dense forests filled with flora or the vastness of the ocean, whatever it is that makes your body relax and makes your heart smile, do it! Go on that road trip even if just for a day! What you uncover can be priceless, an inner peace that comes when we aren’t looking for anything in particular! Bring back the Sunday drive and celebrate that you are alive and get to experience the small joys in life.

Open and Closed

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Open and Closed

Have you ever located a spot on vacation just to find it closed your next time around? This happens more than we care to admit. Just when we found the best place for … there it goes closing its doors, but no worries there are always new places to be found around the next corner. When one door closes another door opens. Be open to the opportunities that await. Do not dwell on that which is gone. It has served its purpose while it lasted but now you are ready for the next chapter. Sometimes it’s even better than the original. Enjoy seeking out the next best restaurant, store or bar. You never know what lies ahead. Just know that the search can be just as fun as the destination. Happy tracking, embrace the unknown! Yours always, Ms. Mindful Traveller

A Time To Rest

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A time to rest

Taking time to rest is essential on vacation. We need to recharge our batteries to be able to enjoy travel. Over scheduling can cause burnout and a lack of enjoyment for everyone. When planning you should always leave room for rest. Sometimes rest can look like a reading day, in a chair at the beach or a park bench other days it may be a movie night or journaling. Whatever the form of rest you choose, will help to ensure you enjoy your vacation. Rest doesn’t need to be long, but it needs to be included in each and everyday. There needs to be time for reflection so you can do more of what you enjoy. No one should get back from vacation needing a vacation. When we reflect, we clearly see what we want to do more of and can avoid the things that cause us stress. So sit down and reflect! What is it that you really want out of your next vacation? How can you get rest maybe it’s a simple choice of transportation, or ordering takeout. Rest comes in many forms maybe it’s time for a nap. 💤

Breaking Bread

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Breaking bread

Sharing a meal among friends new and old have left me with long lasting memories on vacation. Finding just the right restaurant can sometimes be a challenge. Whether it be a five star restaurant or a quaint food truck the company that you share makes all the difference. When meeting new people in a new place, one of my conversation starters is always: What is your favourite go to restaurant on a budget? Have you ever noticed how people are so happy talking about food? Food brings families together. Some meals are with people we have grown with and some are with new friends. What binds us together is the breaking of bread! Next time you’re on vacation share a meal with someone new you’ll never regret it.

The Pace Is Not A Race

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The pace is not a race

When traveling, we are always seeking out new adventures however it is important not to overbook. Over scheduling can cause anxiety and stress and vacation should be about relaxation, enjoying new experiences and slowing down. Taking the time that’s needed to truly enjoy the moment a lovely sunset, a stroll on the beach or a walk through a new neighborhood. We all want to make the most out of our time, but you will be surprised at how the slower moments will be the moments that are remembered forever. When you slow down, you come across the unexpected the child dancing on the sidewalk, the local sports scene, and the families gathered together for picnics. The good life is being held all around us. If we take the time to look.

All Greek To Me

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Travelling to Greece has been a lifelong dream. It is the first time travelling that we haven’t been able to read or understand the language. What a humbling experience it is to look at symbols that we can’t interpret. The history in Greece is so complex, that we can barely comprehend the enormity of time it covers. It is so incredible to be part of this amazing World!🌎

Being in a place where you can’t read the signs or understand the conversations around you forces you to be more present. You rely on other senses - gestures, smiles, the tone of voice. There’s a certain beauty in this limitation. It strips away the comfort of familiarity and opens you to a different kind of awareness.

Mindful Moments: Embracing the Present

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Finding Peace in the Now

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily tasks and future plans. We often find ourselves rushing from one thing to the next, our minds racing with thoughts of what has been and what is yet to come. But what about the present moment? The here and now?

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing our attention to the present moment without judgment. It’s about noticing our thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they arise, without getting carried away by them. It’s about savoring the simple things, like the warmth of the sun on our skin or the taste of a delicious meal.

Unpacking After Vacation

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Unpacking after vacation

We are big believers in unpacking everything the moment we get home. Whatever time we arrive we unpack. We have it down to a science it takes us about 30 minutes start to finish, including putting the luggage away. While on vacation we carry a laundry bag to place the dirty laundry in so as not to contaminate other items that are clean. Also we bring laundry sheets that we can wash our clothes if we need to. The packing cubes keep our clean clothes divided bottoms and tops so easy to put away. Making every moment a mindful moment.

Kindness Of Strangers

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Kindness of Strangers Well my friends, yesterday was the start of a two day travel to home. As I sit in the airport on the second leg of our journey, I reflect on the kindness of strangers. While sitting in the terminal you tend to meet other travellers, many excited to share their experiences and offer new insights on places you may have missed. I am always delighted how travellers are so open to helping others to find gates, to give up a chair to someone who may need it more. Yesterday, like many travellers just about to board I went for a last bathroom run in the airport. I waited in line like I always do. Contemplating how we need more woman engineers they would conclude you need twice as many bathroom stales for woman then men, for multiple reasons. Even better just haves rows of closed in toilets for anyone. Ok rant over! When it is finally my turn I get into the stall and pull on the door noticing that the door gets stuck, the metal flashing on the side of the door lets go trapping me in the washroom. Well luckily the kindness of strangers kicks in. I hear « I think a lady is stuck in the washroom. » I calmly reply « I am. » The lady next to me says « I’ll help ». She tries and says I’m going to get assistance. She actually comes back to declare that help is on its way. Maintenance and the cleaning staff to the rescue. Within minutes, I am freed from the bathroom. I am back with plenty of time to realize there has been a gate change. When a lady gets on the intercom explaining what is happening with the gates, her words resonating with me « Please, don’t be stressed! »

Travel Day

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Going home at the end of a holiday can leave some in poor spirits. Not us! We always look forward to the next adventure. We look at travel day, or days as part of the journey and not the end of it. Adventures are found in the journey, not the destination. Being mindful and enjoying all the moments of our lives is what makes us happy. Travel mindfully and enjoy the journey. Have a joyous day!

Music - The Heartbeat Of The World

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Listening to music is a great way to connect with the world and to find peace. Every time we travel we like to listen to music that is from the country we are visiting. While is Mexico the sound of mariachis fills our hearts. While walking through Puerto Vallerta we hear the sound of a tuba playing. Music connects us to the people and the culture of the country we are visiting. Music is the heartbeat of the world. Take time as you walk through the streets of a new city to listen to the music of the people. When home often we will play the different cultural music to remind us of the places we have visited. Listen and travel mindfully. Have a joyous day! We use our Bose portable speaker, or our ear buds to stay connected to the music of the World.

Reading On Vacation

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

When travelling we like to read books, sometimes with the sounds of the waves in the background. Reading is a great way to unwind and take a break from the world. We use Kindle Paperwhite to read books while on vacation. Reading can be a way to escape the world and to connect in a different way. Sometimes we read to learn and sometimes we read to be inspired. Be sure to take time out of your day to read as you can gain new experiences and travel the pages of a book to a new place. Read and travel mindfully. Have a joyous day!

Morning Coffee and All Its Perks

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

First thing in the morning is our favourite peaceful moment of the day. Coffee in hand savouring in its aroma and taste. Every morning we start our day with a cup of coffee in silence. It does not matter if we are in the comfort of our home or on vacation. We have tried many ways to brew on vacation and the best way is to have a Bodum handy or an AeroPress with AeroPress Stainless Steel Filter both travel well. To carry our java on the go, we use the HydroFlask Tumbler. Something about coffee just makes us feel good. We enjoy tasting the different beans from around the world. Some of our favourites have included Dominican Republic, and Mexican coffee. So next time you are in the mood for a cup of java, try something new and different. Pick a bean from a different region and try it out, let it be the inspiration for your next trip. Dream, inspire and travel mindfully.

The Sounds On Vacation

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Have you ever taken the time to listen to the different sounds when you are traveling? The sounds of the world around you can be so peaceful and calming. Today take the time to intentionally connect with the sounds you hear and make the most of your time with them. Today I am lucky enough to be listening to the waves of the ocean crashing into the shore as I write this. I hear birds that sing, dogs that bark and some Bob Marley music in the background. Telling me everything is gonna be alright. Take time to unplug and to listen to the wonderment of the world around you. Remember to breathe and to live with intention. Have a joyous day!

Walking On Vacation

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Walking on vacation is a great way to see new sights and slow things down. It is essential to have proper footwear for the adventures. But even the best shoes, socks and sandals can fail. We have had our fair share of blisters and bruises.The best protective socks we have found are feetures. We try to pack blister bandages just in case, but if you are like me these toe sleeves may help prevent the blisters. We also always make sure to wear a good hat, apply sunscreen and use lip balm to prevent chapped lips. Water and a snack are also very important on these day walks and to carry it all in we adore our Osprey backpacks they are lightweight, sturdy and durable

Meeting People

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Have you ever stopped and thought of all the wonderful people you meet on vacation? Some become friends, some become acquaintances, and some become unforgettable memories. Some people have left a lasting impression that will stay with you for years to come. Through our travels we have met so many wonderful people and we have been blessed with the opportunity to make some of them life-long friends. Today take the time to intentionally connect with the people you meet and make the most of your time with them.

Mindful Eating

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

It is easy to forget to be present while eating. We are often rushing to get to the next meal or snack. But taking time to be present while eating can help us savor the flavors and textures of our food. When we travel, we can feel rushed and sometimes we don’t have time to eat properly. Take your time to enjoy what is front of you and be prepared by having a reusable water bottle and healthy snacks on hand. There is nothing worse then getting “hangry” or dehydrated while traveling.

Sunrise

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Waking up with the sun is a beautiful moment. The world is still quiet and the sun is slowly rising. This gives you a moment to pause and reflect on the day ahead. The beauty surrounds us and we can take time to appreciate it. As I look to the water where the sunset was last evening, I am reminded to be present and to take time to appreciate the world around me. Life is full of beautiful moments for reflection. Remember to breathe and to live with intention. Have a joyous day!

Sunset

mr@mindfultravellers.ca (Mr. & Ms. Mindful Travellers) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Here is a beautiful moment of a sunset in Puerto Vallarta, México.

These are the mindful moments when you take time to breathe and to connect with the world around you. Each night the sun sets and takes about 60 seconds to fall below the horizon. This gives you a moment to pause and reflect on the day that has passed. The beauty surrounds us and we can take time to appreciate it.