Strolling through a blaze of colour and fragrance in Parnell Rose Garden, a casual observer, no connoisseur, I’m touched by the beauty of so many varieties … and find myself pondering how often on our travels, how often in life, do we slow down and take time to appreciate the beauty, the goodness, around us?
Dove-Meyer Robinson Park in one of Auckland’s oldest neighbourhoods, not far from the CBD, is home to over 5000 roses along with many native trees including the largest sprawling pohutukawa in the city. With different sections including an Historic Garden with heritage and rambling roses, the Reflective Rose Garden, and the White Garden popular for weddings, the Park right now in November is a kaleidoscope of colour – from pretty, pale pastels to exquisite, vibrant yellow, orange and reds.
The power to touch your soul
Of course, it can be challenging to ‘stop and smell the roses’ if you’re going through a tough time. However, even when you feel angry, when you feel pain or misery, savouring little sweet moments can support you. They can touch your soul and bring a sense of serenity.
Seeing the beauty is not a way to avoid your challenges. It’s more a way of training yourself to look beneath the surface, to look for the good, for the opportunity in whatever you’re facing. And it’s a choice. Sometimes we later discover that what seemed like the worst turned out to be the ‘best thing ever’.
How do you travel?