As the world attempts to cope with a global pandemic and many countries enforce social distancing, it is easy to feel hopeless and alone. But in the midst of it all, people are choosing to share messages of peace, love and hope- through the safety of their windows.

Images of painted rainbows with hopeful messages hanging from balconies and windows first emerged in Italy during their strict nation-wide quarantine. Since then, the rainbows have spread to the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and the United States.

In San Francisco, the sky frequently changes from blue to grey and the normal sounds of people shouting and cars honking are absent. Many shops have boarded up their entrances. As people struggle with social distancing and city streets are eerily empty, it is comforting to see a colorful and hopeful spirit peeking through the blinds.