Sitting by a fire at the Starving Artist coffee shop, I am practicing gratitude. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I have been brainstorming objects of appreciation. The list is long. In the spirit of Reflections, I have chosen one topic to explore more deeply. Surrounded by walls covered with paintings, I am ever so grateful for beauty.
I wrote in a journal some 40 years ago that beauty was, for me, a major gateway to God. That is still true. Though my image of God has evolved, I still find in beauty the same close encounter with the Divine.
Beauty enters by all of the senses. I think first in terms of sight and sound because nature, art, and music offer an instant and reliable fix. But so do the aroma of fresh flowers, the complex flavor of barrel-aged beer, and the chunky texture of a crocheted shawl.
Several months ago, my son suggested that I try YOU-app, a fun online resource that proposes daily micro-actions that improve our health and happiness. YOU-app users may choose one action from the many suggested to repeat daily until it becomes a habit. My current choice for daily action is, "Find beauty around you."
For 16 days in a row, I have responded to the daily prompt by noticing and posting photos of red roses against a gray landscape, art objects around my home and in public places, a leaf drawn in latte foam, mountains, a CD of nature sounds, a book of meditations, fall color, new running shoes, and a concert program. I love the practice of looking for, capturing, and sharing beautiful glimpses from each day. I want to keep it up and make the habit my own.
So much for Beauty. What about the Beast? No matter how discouraged and self-absorbed I may feel, when I notice a sunset through the window, I can rise above the negativity. When I am agitated, the tones of traditional flute music are always soothing. I If I feel lonely and sad, those emotions can be transformed by a warm, vibrating, fluffy kitty on my lap.
What role does beauty play in your life? Which of your senses is the most attuned to joy? How might you add sensory delight to your daily routine?
