“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful,
we must carry it with us, or we find it not.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
In a world full of distractions, it can often feel like the beauty we seek is out of reach. We search for it in faraway places, in grand moments, or in the next exciting event on our calendar. Yet, what if beauty isn’t something to be chased or found but something we can cultivate and appreciate in the present moment? What if beauty is already here, in the small details of our everyday lives?
This idea struck me as I sat at dawn, listening to the sounds of the morning — the song of cardinals, the distant rumble of a freight train, and the soft rustle of palm fronds swaying in the breeze. Amidst these sounds, my attention shifted to the beauty of the dewdrops hanging on the mosquito screens, catching the first rays of sunlight and reflecting a rainbow of colors. I could have easily focused on the stains left from spilled fertilizer or the fence trim in need of repair. But instead, I chose to focus on the simple beauty in front of me. This simple choice made all the difference.
The Power of Focused Attention
The act of choosing where to place our attention doesn’t change the external facts — the stains, the cracks, the repairs needed — but it transforms how we experience them. By focusing on beauty, even in fleeting moments, we nourish our souls. Just as quickly as we can be drained by focusing on what needs fixing, we can be lifted up by simply noticing the beauty around us.
This is not just a passive observation. It’s a practice, a habit that requires intention. It’s a conscious decision to notice what nourishes us, whether it’s the natural world, the kindness of others, or the joy found in small, everyday moments. When we train our minds to see beauty, we begin to experience more of it, often in the most unexpected places.
“Whenever you are creating beauty around you, you are restoring your own soul.”
Alice Walker
Beauty as a Choice
Alice Walker once said, “Whenever you are creating beauty around you, you are restoring your own soul.” This is a powerful reminder that beauty is not just something to be appreciated externally but something that nourishes and restores us within.
But how do we “carry” the seeing and appreciation of beauty? It starts with a decision. It’s a choice to open our eyes, to be present, and to allow ourselves to notice the beauty that is already here. It’s a choice to soften our gaze, to stop rushing through life, and to take time to appreciate the small things — the sound of birds, the warmth of sunlight, the colors of a sunset. These simple acts of noticing can transform our experience of the world.
Rumi beautifully stated, “Everything that is made beautiful and fair and lovely is made for the eye of the one who sees it.” This quote underscores the idea that beauty is not just about what’s “out there,” but about our ability to see and appreciate it. Beauty is everywhere, but it requires an open heart and a willing mind to notice it.
¨Everything that is made beauty and fair and lovely is made for the eye of the one who sees it¨
Rumi
Becoming a Radical Seer of Beauty
In today’s world, where divisiveness and pain seem to dominate the headlines, choosing to see beauty can be a radical act. It requires us to step outside the noise, to quiet the distractions, and to tune into the things that bring us joy and peace. Whether it’s the intricate pattern of tree bark, the reflection of light on a rainy sidewalk, or the quiet rise and fall of a loved one’s breath, these small moments of beauty are all around us.
It only takes a momentary shift in focus to start seeing these moments, but once we do, the rest becomes effortless. Beauty feeds those who open themselves to it. It lifts us when we feel drained, soothes us when we’re anxious, and fills us with gratitude when we’re feeling empty.
A Practice for Everyday Life
The next time you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or bogged down by life’s challenges, take a moment to pause and shift your focus. Look around you — is there something beautiful waiting to be noticed? It might be a fleeting moment, like the pattern of light on your kitchen floor or the smile of a stranger passing by. It might be the warmth of a hug or the quiet stillness of a morning walk. Whatever it is, take it in. Allow yourself to feel it.
By making this simple practice a part of your day, you’ll begin to notice more beauty — not just in the world around you, but in yourself as well. Beauty will soften the edges of your busy life and open up spaces of joy, gratitude, and peace.
So, I invite you to become a Radical Seer of Beauty. Notice the small moments that often go overlooked. Allow these moments to fill you with the inspiration and energy you need to navigate your day. And let them remind you that beauty, in all its forms, is always available to you — if you choose to see it.
