Every morning I begin my day with a time of quiet communion on my patio. In my daily celebration of life, I have learned the art of happiness. 

In my mindful time of connecting I look out at a panorama of the blue skies with only light touches of palm trees, sail masts, birds and a steady stream of planes moving out on their adventures from LAX airport.

Over the past few weeks I’ve begun to have daily silent conversations of deep appreciation for the Cloud Painter.  Observing the clouds in all their various forms have intoxicated me with the beauty and wonder of Life.  The art of happiness is within me and around me constantly when I choose to be awake and aware.  In awe, in gratitude, I have become convinced that there has to be some Divine master in a higher realm, an inspired being who understands beauty and delicate forms, that just loves to create something new that will delight and excite me each and every day.

Now, as a scientist, I know there is an easy, practical and perfectly reasonable explanation for cloud formations and the way they gracefully dance together.  But, I’m sticking with the Cloud Painter. 

Here’s why.  First, it just makes me feel good to have a sense that the Universe is continually conspiring on my behalf to fill my life with joy.  The most profound reason, though, is that as I witness and observe the perfection of nature in action, I gain a deeper appreciation for the way Life is orchestrated with such simple harmony and perfection.

I am left with a sense of the divine rhythm and synchronicity of Life and Living, and that awareness propels me through my day to see the miracles and magic that abound.

I go out into my day with a new pair of glasses and see Life as a great ballet in its beauty and wisdom and truth.

From this perspective, I can even see the sacred in the profane as the dance of Life unfolds before me.

And so I encourage you all to begin each day with at least a moment to appreciate how magnificent the world around you is.  Too often we can begin our days with thoughts of stress, “have to’s”, or even just mindless activities that have become our routine.

Taking the time to get into alignment with the great, rich, lavish abundance of the Universe, the things we might have in the past simply taken for granted, lifts us to a remarkable vibration that allows us to receive continuous blessings throughout our day.

The art of happiness ultimately lies in your attention and what you choose to focus on. 

Life is good.  You are blessed.  The Universe is here to delight and excite you. Know it, live it, breathe it, BE it.

And say hello to the Cloud Painter for me.

“There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as if everything is.”  - Albert Einstein