Cleansing on purpose

Stepping into the crisp morning air, my lungs filled with purity. An exquisitely placed medley of flowers drew me in with rich purples, deep reds, and life seemingly dripping from the petals.

As my friendly Uber driver eased me into downtown Portland, my eyes drank in the verdant, plentiful scenery of inviting hills, towering trees, bold flowers, and moving water.

This was a much needed refresh.

At the World Parkinson Congress in Portland this week, refreshment has come in the form of:

• innovative ideas
• promising research and
• delightful conversation

And refreshment has also arrived through the experience of a kind city. I have witnessed:

• courteous transit passengers
• helpful locals volunteering navigational assistance
• art, gardens, coffee, books, and great food via the Portland Art Museum, Washington Park, and Powell’s City of Books.

So, why drag you into this indulgence? Because if I could find cleansing refreshment on a highly unanticipated work related trip, so could you. It doesn’t even have to be a trip. You could reconnect with the delights that surround you daily. Or, if you do have the opportunity to explore new places, immerse yourself in the experience for the sake of cleansing on purpose.

Either way, today is a good day to find a way to refresh.

Worth Repeating

The earth has music for those who listen.

-George Santayana