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How Do You Describe Such Beauty?
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Like so many other words the word “beauty” has been hijacked and has lost its meaning.
When I am outdoors and notice something that is so beautiful that it takes my breath away, puts a smile on my face, or even a tear in my eye, that’s beauty. It creates a visceral response.
I studied the word beauty a while ago and came to the conclusion that beauty equals joy. Again, it’s a feeling that is experienced. It’s beyond words and difficult to describe, but we know when we experience it don’t we?
Right now I’m on a walk dictating these thoughts. It snowed last night and the sun is out and it is literally too difficult to describe how beautiful it is, but I can feel it! Take a look at these pictures that I took on my walk…
See what I mean? How do you describe such beauty? I feel like all I can do is stop and be in it and with it. I’m going to do just that… Here’s where I’m at now (Mt. Seymour and Rocky Point Pier)…
Whoever came up with the phrase “a picture is worth 1000 words” must’ve been out walking on a day like today. In other words, things can be so beautiful they are indescribable.
As I’m writing this I’m thinking well, “So what?” And I’m reminded that it’s been scientifically proven that a little bit of bliss is good for us. It improves our mood and can help us focus later on. My guess also is that beauty can inspire us to live at a higher, more present level even as we create and share the beauty that we experience (as best we can) so that others can be lifted up as well. I share outdoor photos and posts so that others will hopefully take the time to slow down and notice and experience the benefits and connection you get from contemplation.
A Way to Practice Beauty
I came across this Navajo prayer about beauty on the cac.org Daily Meditation. Richard Rohr says, “The Navajo or Diné—the people—see the world through the lens of hozho: all the goodness to be found through harmony, balance, beauty, and blessing. I invite you to read this well-known Navajo prayer aloud…
In beauty I walk
With beauty before me I walk
With beauty behind me I walk
With beauty above me I walk
With beauty around me I walk
It has become beauty again
It has become beauty again
It has become beauty again
It has become beauty again
As Rohr suggests I am going to read this prayer aloud as I walk outside right after I post this with my senses wide open and see what happens. To conclude he says, “When you have ended, bow in gratitude for your body, for the beauty surrounding you, and for the beauty that will continue to follow you everywhere you go.”
I invite you to join me in practicing this prayer outside.
Take good care,
Rod
