Hi Reader,

This week I gave a talk to a group of healthcare executives, and was reminded of this quote, a favorite from Florence Nightingale's Notes on Nursing.

It always amazes me to discover that people have been aware of the influence of our environment on well-being for so long, yet this knowledge is practically ignored in everyday healthcare.

When Nightingale published these words it was 1860. Thirteen years prior, Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis had demonstrated that handwashing before deliveries greatly reduced postpartum infections, but was largely ignored for several decades.

Handwashing only became standard practice in hospitals at the end of the 19th century. Even more astonishing, it wasn’t until the 1980s that anesthetic was routinely used for babies, due to the mistaken belief that they didn’t feel pain.

All of which is to say: the march of science can be slow. And it’s not lost on me that Nightingale was a nurse, and a woman. Had an esteemed male physician recognized the power of color and sensory stimulation to speed recovery, perhaps our hospital rooms would look very different today.

Of course, healthcare design has many demands—hygiene, accessibility, efficient layouts, smooth workflows for clinicians, and of course, budgets. But adding vibrancy is one of the least intrusive, most cost-effective ways to improve a space.

I hope we won’t have to wait much longer to see Nightingale’s insight put to work in helping us heal.

Joyfully,
Ingrid

One Thing

Refrain from criticism

Years ago, I made a rule for myself: never speak negatively about other creatives or their work. (Really, about anyone doing something in public—especially women.) Unless they’re causing harm, I simply have nothing to say.

Since then, I’ve become more aware of how often our culture tries to pit women against each other, inviting us to bond by tearing one another down. It’s a lose-lose game.

I was reminded of this when a clip went around of Pamela Anderson refusing to take the bait and criticize Meghan Markle. Sure, it makes her look like a class act. But the real freedom is this: when you let go of that critical lens toward others, it becomes so much easier to be yourself.

In the Commons

This week in the Commons, we had our second live meetup—a “joy swap,” where we traded the little things that are helping us find joy in these messy, complicated times. I love these meetups so much. 💛

One thing that stuck with me: consistency changes everything. Even the simplest act can become a joy practice when you show up for it with intention. Do it with devotion, and it starts to feel like a tiny anchor in your day.

Our new community is one such anchor in my life these days—having real connection at my fingertips has quietly shifted the gaps in my day towards joy. A few days ago, I shared the intentions behind what we’re creating in the Commons on Instagram. Check out the post, and if it resonates, I’d love for you to join us there.

Delightful Discoveries

I'm really feeling these chocolate-filled clementine-shaped cakes​

Catch me on TED's How to Be a Better Human podcast with Chris Duffy this week

Last issue I promised an article about visualization and the link was broken. Mea culpa! If you've been patiently waiting, here's the correct link​

I'm not ready to shop for fall yet, but this amazing colorful sweater is 10% off and I have a feeling it will sell out

We just finished the last book of this incredible graphic novel series for kids and I'm bawling. Can't tell if I'm more moved by the ending or sad it's over.

​Why it's (more than) ok to find joy when others are struggling (This whole thing, but especially slide 5)

Why spiritual growth is a hot mess, not a ladder

Finally, someone who agrees with me: lunch is the best meal of the day​

​Can a bad floor plan affect your mental health?​

I lost count of how many people sent me this: what if we just start having fun at home?​

​Learning a musical instrument reverses brain aging

People fall in love with street performer's terrible portraits: "I have no plans to get better"

Loving all of Grace Atwood's musings on her creative break this summer, like this one on less doing, more being​

I know I bang this drum a lot, but the past doesn't really exist​

​Fun energy is the energy of the universe

Quote of the Week

"My Uncle…taught me something very important. He said that when things are going really well we should be sure to notice it. He was talking about very simple occasions, not great victories. Maybe drinking lemonade under a shade tree, or smelling the aroma of a bakery, or fishing, or listening to music coming from a concert hall while standing in the dark outside, or, dare I say, after a kiss. He told me that it was important at such times to say out loud, 'If this isn’t nice, what is?'"

— Kurt Vonnegut

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