The Only New Year’s Resolution You Need
The only New Year's resolution you really need is effortless and costs nothing: Find beauty. In her newly released Sacred Elements Guidebook, author/photographer Karina Aldredge shows how momentary joys add up, creating a happier, more grounded you. Could there be a better way to start a new decade?
The Nature Diet
Karina explains that finding beauty in easily-overlooked aspects of nature benefits mind, spirit and body. "Soon it becomes a craving, and everywhere you look, you'll see more," she says. "It feeds you. It's the Nature Diet!"
Karina Aldredge's book guides you to noticing and finding joy in simple, everyday things.
Karina draws us into delight by making the mundane transcendent, and she does it step-by-step. As in the excerpt below, she tells how to use all your senses to internalize nature's beauty. This is not merely "take time to smell the roses." Finding beauty makes you so immediately in-the-moment that all you know is joy. You may already have experienced this, but I suspect it hasn't been often or nearly enough.
This photo of frozen drops (on Euphorbia rigida in Karina's Zone 8b garden) is from her Instagram feed.
I first met Karina, who lives in Portland, OR, via Instagram. Last winter, when she was in the San Diego area, she visited me and my garden.
I show Karina the beauty of a backlit Gasteria bicolor.
Sacred Elements Guidebook, Excerpt
This sample merely hints at what Karina offers. Like its lovely author, the book is slender but powerful. It's joy distilled: a healing balm for the overwhelmed mind.
Accompanying the book's "gray winter morning" exercise is a photo that I liked so much, when Karina initially posted it on Instagram, I asked if I could base a painting on it. The result became the December page of my 2019 Succulent Watercolor Calendar.
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FYI, Karina's soul-nourishing practice is not a religion, but I can attest it has enriched and deepened my own faith. I've helped Karina a bit here and there---encouragement, suggestions and connecting her with editor Lorraine Anderson in Corvallis, OR. I was honored when Karina asked me to write the book's foreword. There's just something about her that's extraordinary.
What I Believe
What I Believe Welcome to the most personal page on my site. Here, I share what defines me, gives me purpose and brings me joy. — Debra Admittedly, posting about my faith is beyond my comfort zone It’s verboten for a journalist to admit to a religious bias. Yet isn’t not doing so an omission? Gardening…
I’m honored. Actually, I’m beyond honored. What a lovely, unexpected surprise! You are just amazing. Thank you so much Debra!
Well deserved, Karina! I’m delighted to get the word out about your beautiful book and message.
What a lovely thought. In this age of trials in our lives this is such a welcomed information. I can’t wait to receive this book.
I have been an avid gardener for many years and a long time member of the Carmichael Cactus & Succulent Society. So this is a book I will be including in my gift giving.
Many thank Karina and Debra…Birte Harley
Thank you, Birte! Happy New Year! Debra
Like the picture , but I love your painting of it!
Thanks, Matthew, for the lovely compliment!