Given the stress and speed of daily life, I make a point to take some time and absorb my surroundings, often in an unconventional way. After a grocery run the other day, I discovered a deserted parking lot near the Chicago river, with a picturesque backdrop of the city. Despite a boiling concoction of humidity beaming down from the summer sunrays, I spent quite some time in my covert corner of the city--simply being, simply taking it all in.

This past week, I started a daily meditation ritual. In the early morning and late evening, when the lighting is soft or when the city lights glisten for miles to the distance, I sit on my hardwood floor and practice concentrated breathing exercises. While taking in the sweeping city skyline, I experience something of a Van Gogh portrait in real time. Since moments like these are often unappreciated or unattainable for most of us, I am determined to find solace in the skies as much as possible.