Who is this? Not the Mona Lisa we are used to seeing but another version painted by Leonardo DaVinci. He does not portray Lisa del Giocondo, the original subject, but a different model, Pacifica Brandano.

   This gorgeous creation is the second and only other verified "Lisa." But among the most interesting facts is that hidden beneath the surface of the masterpiece we now know Leonardo had painted some stunning prior versions. 

   Do harried caregivers care? Since western civilization still considers the Mona Lisa the best expression of beauty on canvas could Mona relieve some of our daily suffering?  

   Without Beauty, life is not worth living. Modern civilization, computerized, industrialized, terrorized, has put Beauty, and thus our lives, at risk. 

   Years ago John O'Donohue sounded the alarm. "…all the contemporary crises can be reduced to a crisis about the nature of beauty."

   All we need do is look around to realize his statement is increasingly true. This time it is not limited to wars or even to the pandemic or political issues. 

   To a stunning degree, Beauty has become dispensable to most. 

   The ancient Greeks understood Beauty. So did the population of Florence, Italy during the Renaissance. 

   Do we no longer have time? Have we forgotten what she looks like?

   There is nothing new about ugliness but the noise of it today is overwhelming.

   Beauty does not shout. Its murmurings live in our soul. It requires slow listening to hear her sweetest whispers. 

   For those who think they are too busy Rumi offers the best of advice. "Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground. 

   Amid the suffering caregivers confront there is beauty. Kneel in humility & you will find it.

-Erie Chapman