An Adventure in Abundance
Surrounded by a sea of tulips, I found myself wondering: what is true abundance? A journey into color, the senses, and joy.
Lost Among Tulips, Found a Big Question
Even a single tulip is beautiful. But at the Richardson Tulip Festival, there were hundreds of thousands of tulips, blooming all at once in every imaginable color and shape. A breath escaped from deep inside me—Wow—and I wandered through the sea of flowers, soaking in the overwhelming beauty.
This was true luxury. This was true abundance. That afternoon spent among the tulips sparked something in me: I found myself revisiting the idea of "abundance" as described in The Artist’s Way and Joyful.
Is Abundance About Having More?
In Joyful, author Ingrid Fetell Lee introduces ten aesthetics that spark joy—joy being something we feel but can't quite see. One of those aesthetics is "Abundance." At first, Lee considered that abundance might simply mean "having a lot." But as she explored further, she realized: true abundance isn't about quantity—it's about richness of sensation and stimulation. After all, if abundance were just about owning more, even a hoarder's cluttered home would count as abundance. And we both know that's not quite it, right?
Why We Are Drawn to Sensory Wonderlands
Candy stores, tulip fields, confetti, rainbows—all of them delight us through a feast of colors, textures, and shapes. Sometimes even scents and tactile sensations join the party.
Thinking back, I realize that's why I felt so thrilled wandering through Bangkok's night markets, the bustling souks of Marrakech, and the noisy streets of Ho Chi Minh and Hong Kong. They were treasure troves of sensory delight. (Of course, I know it can sometimes be a bit much for some people!)
Creativity and the Sense of Plenty
The Artist’s Way reminds us that art is born from a sense of enoughness—of being generously supplied. That's why "artist dates"—casual, playful outings—are encouraged to nurture creativity. Whenever I visited aquariums, art stores, or botanical gardens, I always returned home with my senses buzzing and my heart full.
Choosing Abundance Is Choosing Joy
Joyful puts it beautifully:
Choosing abundance is not a moral failure. It’s an expression of deep, human delight.
With that lens, it feels so clear: When I walk through tulip fields, gaze at cherry blossoms, craft stained glass, or visit a lovely stained glass show—and when I share those moments here on the blog—I’m not just enjoying abundance. I'm passing a little bit of that joy along.