Walt Whitman once said, "I become what I behold." I take those words as both warning and as practical direction. They warn me to be very careful of toxic environments, or even the thoughts I am focusing on. I am reminded of a related phrase, "That which I feared most is that which has come to pass!" Be careful of the intake, yes, wise words.

But today I don't want to write about the warning, but the advice I see embedded in Walt Whitman's words. We are deeply influenced by environment, by people, by media. So why not sculpt that influence more thoughtfully, so that what we regularly behold might be an influence for good, for beauty, for life? What are the first things we behold when we wake in the morning? I see the green of trees through my window, and hear the sound of the creek. I am greeted by a dog with wagging tail and unconditional love. I choose those first moments well, knowing they begin to create the pattern of what will follow. I savor that first hour, and let it fill with the sounds of nature, the smell and taste of a freshly brewed cup of coffee, meditation and journalling. I am creating an environment that will nurture and grow me.

I could go on from here and chart out each moment of the day, and consider what I behold through the media, work, and friends, but instead I will ask of myself, and whoever reads, something else: stop. What have you beheld so far today? How has it influenced you? Now, here is a choice point: What will you behold next? Choose well. Surely we are creating ourselves, moment-by-moment. Let us do it a little more mindfully, guided by the eye of the artist rather than tyranny of the to do list. "I become what I behold." May I behold beauty. May I behold peace.