The Beauty of Life

How often do you stop to look at the beauty of life around you? If you have allowed life to just pass you by, you may have missed a lot of the magnificent and spectacular signs of life and living.

Maybe you are one of many people out there who are busy chasing your dreams and only see the pains and ugliness in your daily existence. It is easier to notice them because they are so prevalent.

There is magic in living, in breathing and in all things if you take the time to pause and notice. The ability to see, hear and feel the fascinating universe is a gift endowed to all. But only a minority cares enough to sacrifice their time and use their senses to become captivated.

"Listen to the exhortation of the dawn. Look to the day. For it is life, the very life of life, in its brief course lie all the verities and realities of your existence. The bliss of growth, the glory of action, the splendor of beauty. For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well therefore to this day. Such is the salutation of the dawn." - Kalidasa

Where to Look for Beauty that Really Counts

Your inner beauty.

That's the first place to start. It is in your heart and soul. It is when you have removed all your hatred toward people, things and life itself. Malice and spitefulness blind your eyes and soul to see the good.

Out in the open.

You are out in the open most of the time but blindly allow your autopilot to direct you to the familiar and the norm. Learn to get out of your usual absorption and begin to see the birds, flowers, trees and the clouds. Nature helps bring out a sense of relief and enchantment to those who sense its presence.

In your imagination.

You can use your imagination to bring back enchanting moments and experiences any time you wish. But you probably have been focusing too much on things that upset you and caused you pain. Your imagination can serve you or make you feel miserable depending on what you focus on.

In children.

Watch children and their curiosities. They find happiness and delight from seeing and doing things. They want to learn and to know more about life and people. They marvel at many things. When you look at the adults, what do you see? They read the newspapers with all the bad news. Then they continue talking and thinking about it which leads to negative imaginations. They miss the enchantment the day has to offer because they are so wrapped up.

In people.

You meet people as long as you are living and breathing. Give yourself the chance to see the fascinating personalities in others in spite of their flaws and hostility. We are unique individuals and have our own perceptions. Try not to judge others. Observe and look for that uniqueness.

"The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself." - Henry Miller