What is considered beautiful? There is no, one answer to this. Different cultures have different concepts and standards of beauty. In terms of personal beauty; the definition has changed with time. The good news is, we have accepted beauty beyond what we see on magazine covers and the models they use in these photos. Despite our differences, we do have a universal concept of what is beautiful all around us.
Nature’s Beauty
The beauty of nature is undeniable. We all know the pleasure of just watching the waves come and go on the shore; the pleasant warmth of the sun rise as we welcome the day; the nostalgic vibe of a sunset; and the alluring mystery of watching the night sky with its numerous stars. We always watch in awe at these wonders.
Artists have depicted nature’s beauty in its different phases. The coldness and tranquility of winter; the refreshing growth of spring; the warm and busy summer; and the calm, nostalgic autumn. We even have different ways to celebrate the coming and going of these phases. This is also why we are sometimes compelled to stop and smell the flowers, or take pictures.
In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.
– Aristotle
The Beauty of Life
Just like the coming and going of nature’s phases, we also recognize beauty in the different phases of our life’s journey. We celebrate both birth and death. We have our own rituals to recognize victory and defeat. Those we recognize as leaders and heroes, we confer with recognition; and the losers are given encouragement or are punished, accordingly. We know the beauty of having and maintaining good relationships. Although we become sad during tragedies; we also see the beauty of the human spirit to help others, to survive despite the odds, and to move on despite the setback.
The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.
– Helen Keller
The Beauty of Things
Material things also have their own allure. We usually consider shiny and cute things as beautiful to look at but also to have for ourselves. That is why we are in awe of fluffy toys and cute pets, pretty accessories and trinkets, just as much as we are of a shiny, new car. We collect things because we find them beautiful and attractive in some way. We are also attracted by limited edition or rare items. Owning one gives a feeling of being successful and special yourself. What things do you consider beautiful?
Inner Beauty
Today, we recognize that beauty is not just external but also internal. We know that beyond physical beauty; the beauty of a person’s personality, their character, quirks, traits and uniqueness are what’s more important. We recognize that not all beautiful souls reside in a beautiful or pretty face. It is the glow from within that makes one more beautiful in our eyes. Doesn’t a genuine smile from a stranger move you as much as watching a sun set?
Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.
– Khalil Gibran
As we observe all the beauty around us, we often forget to appreciate the beauty in ourselves. When you look in the mirror, do you see the beauty of your own smile? There is also beauty in the process of self-acceptance. How we look at the world is influenced by how we feel about ourselves. If we do not recognize our own beauty; then the world will look bleak and gray to us. If we know and feel that we are beautiful just by being who we are; then the world will be a more colorful and vibrant place.
Feature Image: Original Photo by Amy Treasure on Unsplash.