Taking the Time to Appreciate Beauty: A Feast for the Eyes and the Soul
Have you ever wondered why we find some things so visually appealing? It’s because our eyes crave beauty just as much as our stomachs crave a delicious meal. So, why not make every moment a banquet for the senses by cherishing the beauty around us? Let me share a delightful story that captures the essence of savoring life’s visual splendors.
Picture this: You’re in Japan, experiencing a traditional formal meal that takes the art of presentation to a whole new level. You know, the Japanese excel in the art of visually nourishing the soul through Kaiseki* (懐石), a traditional multi-course meal that showcases culinary aesthetics and emphasizes the balance of taste, texture, appearance, and colors. During a Kaiseki meal, guests are often served twelve or fifteen small courses, each a seasonal masterpiece. The server, speaking in gentle, melodic tones, introduces each dish like a storyteller unveiling a grand tale. Your journey begins with a crystal-clear soup, adorned with elegant citron peel twists and aromatic herb leaves, setting the stage for the feast to come.
Next, you’re treated to fresh tofu nestled on a bed of fern leaves, accompanied by a savory miso dressing that whispers tales of culinary tradition. As the meal continues, you’re presented with a pine-scented matsutake mushroom proudly perched atop a vibrant maple leaf, a symbol of the fleeting beauty of the season.
Throughout this gastronomic adventure, each dish is served individually, inviting you to savor every detail with your undivided attention. Hours later, you rise from the table, feeling like royalty. Your senses have been nourished, your soul touched by the heartfelt care woven into every bite.
Embracing the Beauty Around Us
Now, imagine if we approached our everyday lives with the same level of appreciation for beauty. Too often, we rush through our days with only superficial glances at our surroundings, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction and disconnection. Think about those hurried mornings, when a hasty goodbye peck barely registers with your loved ones before you dash off to work. This habit of skimming the surface of our environment leaves us feeling hungry and isolated.
When we consciously choose to immerse ourselves in the beauty around us, we create connections that nourish not only our spirits but also our sense of belonging in the world. It’s in those fleeting moments of genuine observation that our hearts soar, filling us with a deep sense of appreciation and contentment that can last for hours, if not longer.
The world reveals its hidden treasures in the most unexpected places: the intricate patterns formed by cracks in a sidewalk, the silent strength of a withered plant standing tall against the elements, or the stories of resilience and wisdom etched into an elderly woman’s wrinkled hands. These seemingly ordinary sights become extraordinary when we pause to truly see them.
The Navajo Wisdom: Walking in Beauty
The Navajo people have a saying that beautifully captures this notion: “Walk in beauty.” It serves as a reminder to keep our eyes and hearts open to the world around us, recognizing the inherent beauty in everything and everyone. When we embrace this perspective, we begin to see that life is a canvas painted with countless moments of wonder, each waiting to be discovered and cherished. So, let us step into the world with mindful eyes and open hearts, for when we do, we’ll find that beauty surrounds us, inviting us to join its eternal dance.
The Creative Power of Beauty
A few years back, I found myself stuck in a seemingly never-ending routine – wake up, go to work, come home, sleep, and repeat. It felt as though the days were blending into one another, and I could hardly tell one week from the next. In the midst of this monotony, I realized that I had stopped noticing the beauty around me, and my soul was yearning for a visual feast.
One Saturday morning, I decided to break free from my routine and go on a solo adventure to a nearby botanical garden. The moment I stepped through the gates, I was greeted by an explosion of colors and fragrances that seemed to awaken my senses. As I wandered along the winding paths, I marveled at the delicate petals of the roses, the vibrant hues of the tulips, and the intricate patterns on the leaves of the ferns.
I came across a small wooden bench nestled beneath the shade of a large oak tree, and I decided to take a seat and just observe the world around me. With the sun filtering through the canopy above, I watched as a family of ducks paddled peacefully across the pond, while a group of butterflies danced among the blossoms. In that moment, I felt a profound sense of connection to the beauty that surrounded me.
As I continued to explore the garden, I stumbled upon an outdoor art exhibit that showcased the works of local artists. Each piece was inspired by the natural world, capturing the essence of the flora and fauna in stunning detail. As I admired the paintings and sculptures, I felt a renewed sense of appreciation for the creative power of beauty and its ability to nourish the soul.
That day at the botanical garden not only rekindled my love for the beauty around me but also reminded me of the importance of breaking free from routine and taking the time to truly appreciate the world we live in. By immersing ourselves in the visual feast that life has to offer, we can satisfy our cravings for beauty and find a deeper sense of connection, both to our surroundings and to ourselves.
So, the next time you feel that nagging hunger for visual splendor, consider slowing down, appreciate the beauty in your life, and truly see the world around you. By doing so, you’ll be treating yourself to a sumptuous feast for the eyes and the soul.
PRACTICES
Practice 1:
Designing a Visual Feast
Let’s say you’re feeling a little blah and in need of a pick-me-up. Why not treat yourself to a special meal? But not just any meal – one that’s thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, as if you were hosting a guest. Take out your best dishes, utensils, and maybe even a vase of flowers and a candle. Arrange your food in an eye-catching way, paying attention to colors, textures, and shapes.
Then, as you eat, take a moment to appreciate not just the food, but also the aesthetic elements around you – the colors of your tablecloth, the way the light hits your plate, the feeling of your fork in your hand. Even if it’s just a quick snack, take a moment to make it visually appealing. Maybe slice your apple into an interesting shape or arrange your crackers in a geometric pattern. And remember, presentation isn’t just for fancy restaurants – you deserve to enjoy a feast for your eyes, too!
Practice 2:
Satisfying Visual Cravings
Have you ever found yourself hungry for something that wasn’t food? Maybe you’re in a dull, gray office and craving a burst of color, or you’re feeling low and just need to gaze at something beautiful for a few minutes.
Next time you feel this way, try this practice: take a few minutes to identify something visually appealing in your environment. It could be a flower in a garden, a painting on the wall, or even just the texture of a piece of fabric.
Spend a few minutes really looking at it, noticing all the details and letting yourself appreciate its beauty. Imagine the energy of that sight flowing into your eyes and nourishing your soul. This simple practice can help you find moments of beauty and mindfulness even in the midst of a busy day.
Practice 3:
Beauty Walks
Take a leisurely walk in a place that inspires you, whether it’s a park, a beach, or a city street. As you walk, be mindful of the beauty around you. Notice the colors, textures, and shapes of the natural and built environment. Pay attention to the small details you might otherwise miss, like the pattern of leaves on a tree or the way the light reflects off a building. Take deep breaths and allow yourself to fully immerse in the sensory experience of the walk. By the end, you’ll feel more grounded, refreshed, and inspired.
Practice 4:
Sharing Beauty
Choose one person in your life and intentionally share with them something visually beautiful that you appreciate. It could be a photo, a piece of art, a flower you picked, or something else that catches your eye. Tell them what you love about it and why you think they might appreciate it too. By sharing beauty, you create connections and spread joy, making the world a more beautiful place for everyone.
Practice 5:
Visual Gratitude Journaling
Every day, take a few minutes to write down one thing that you found visually beautiful or inspiring. It could be something as small as a cloud in the sky or as grand as a sunset over the ocean. Write down what you appreciated about it, how it made you feel, and why you think it was beautiful. Over time, you’ll start to notice beauty in the most unexpected places, and you’ll cultivate a sense of gratitude for the visual feast of life.
Be Alive 🌱
Love ❤️, Julia
References:
“Kaiseki” (懐石). Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, delicate flavors, and exquisite presentation. It showcases the art of culinary aesthetics and highlights the skills of the chef. Kaiseki meals often consist of numerous small courses, each designed to be visually appealing and harmonious with the season. The emphasis is on a balance of taste, texture, appearance, and colors in each dish, making it a true work of art.
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