Today I founded myself enjoying something extremely simple: the still wintry sun shining in a rarely cloudless sky, changing the whole picture of this wonderful city, gifted by the greens of public parks and lush gardens. A trace of a smile played across my lips when I thought that the beauty of London's greens is not restricted to the rich, but it is rather open to all citizens.
However, my spontaneous enthusiasm waned when I realised that the openness of 'the beauty' is often rejected by over-concerned and technologically hyper-connected residents of big cities, including myself. How many times during this new year had nature sent its esthetic message trying to brighten our souls? Sadly, I couldn't respond. Worse, I started to experience a sinking feeling when I imagine all this majestic beauty being rejected by reckless industrial pollution and by our rush consumerist behaviour. I closed my eyes, and suddenly I felt how this timid sun was gently warming up my face. I then recover my initial pleasant thoughts. It was a simple moment of peace, a friendly reminder of how simplicity could bring actual joy.