wired to delight in beauty

We were wired to delight in beauty. Sunrises, sunsets, beachscapes, seascapes, skyscapes, moon, stars, sun, bush, nature, flowers, birds, bees. All of it is awesome, uplifting, delighting the eye, the soul and the heart. The beauty and the wonder of all that is part of the creation of the universe is truly spectacular. 

How precious it has been these past few days to feel the warmth of the sun on our bones, without the wind, to breathe deeply the spring fragrances, so sweet. Our white wisteria shows off in all its white splendour late October to early November in time to wish my husband a happy birthday. What I love so much though, is not just the spectacular display of the cascading white blooms, but it is the subtle scent of almost spicy, sweet notes that just waft on the gentle breeze being picked up on a breath, in passing. 

These are the treasures in life. The chuckle of a child, the joyful twinkle in the eye of a wrinkly face, the tears of joy in a reunion or delightful moment. The hug of a loved one in greeting or farewell, or just because. 

People are so gifted aren’t they? If I pause at anything on social media, it is posts from friends and family sharing special moments. As well as that, anything where someone has taken something sad and neglected and made it beautiful again – muralists who transform dark, depressing looking spaces into something awe inspiring and beautiful for all who walk, run, cycle past to enjoy. The pavement artists that turn cracks and holes in footpaths into cute little chalk drawings of mice and moles. The wonderful sped up footage of a neglected property all overgrown over many years and before your eyes with the time, tools and talent, these properties are transformed as paths, driveways, edges are revealed and the house itself looks like it is smiling. 

For the same reason, I get great delight in seeing a home makeover. A loved home that, for whatever reason, is not working for the family. The transformation is incredible and to see something that will help the family connect and flow together in a better way, is heartwarming. 

So what am I saying this week? There truly is beauty all around us, if we open our eyes to see. Some beauty is natural and on display when we step outdoors, whether it is the distant hills, the sky, the trees, flowers and creatures. Other beauty is found closer to home. A hastily picked selection of flowers popped in a vase, a view from a particular window, the fragrance of spring blossoms on a walk, the colours of the season, the hum of the bees delighting in their work. 

There is so much to enjoy, so much to delight in. It is true that the simple pleasures of life bring great comfort and joy.

Let’s take time this week to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, for in doing so, we not only notice beauty, we become part of it.