Today Covid-19 is killing people across the United States.  Public Health officials, the people who know how to reduce the effects of this virus, have told us we need to wash our hands, distance ourselves from others, and stay at home. Millions of Americans have followed this advice. Their hope is that they can slow the virus’s spread and protect themselves and others from illness.  There are also those who work in hospitals, bring us our food and packages, stock grocery shelves and more.  All who participate in this effort and hope for a better day are practicing the art of wise hope.

Whatever our role in this drama, the toll will be extreme. Can we remain wisely hopeful for the long term, or will values and beliefs be discarded when they become inconvenient?  Will compassion be sacrificed to self-interest? My hope is that our embrace of wise hope will remain beyond this test of our humanity, to help us face the future more wisely and compassionately.

We want to hear from you!
How can you be like the rain lily, making beauty after the storm of this pandemic season? When was the last time nature inspired you? Let us know your thoughts by responding here.

Here are a few things people have shared:

How can you be like the rain lily, making beauty after the storm of this pandemic season?
“I have become, and I will continue to be after the storm has passed, an active member and generous participant in the various communities of which I am a member.” -Mark

“Go outside. Look, listen and notice – & photograph & share photos of beauty.” -Joanna

When was the last time nature inspired you?

“I am a gardener; nature always inspires me, and I aspire to be as uniquely beautiful as each rose on a rose bush, each lily that pushes up in the Spring very strong and colorful, and every pea in a pod. I love the ladybugs, bees, and lizards that join me with my garden as well. Nature is life; and, life is nature in bloom each and every day.” -Kat