Comments on: Beauty

By: Rob Meyer

Rob Meyer — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:57:15 +0000

Beauty is that which causes me to experience a maximally pleasant state of mind, as in the words of John Denver: “You fill up my senses.” A filling up of my innermost being, a desire to remain in the presence of that which induced the sensation.

Thus a clear mountain vista can be “beautiful”, as beautiful an experience as being with the one I love, or writing a well-structured piece of software, or sharing a golden moment with my children, or singing in perfect harmony with a chorus of friends.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:17:59 +0000

I really like what you say about beauty and perception. I’m reminded of the idiom; “Perception is Reality” and how lacking that idiom is if one proclaims it as the sum of human understanding. Perhaps on a quantum, sub atomic and individual human level that may be a truth.

For me a greater idiom would be “That which is, IS, whether one perceives it or not”. Careful then that which you perceive, lest your reality or understanding thereof be defrauded of a greater truth or one’s life defrauded of a greater truth, a greater beauty if you will, or a better way. The humbling thing is that everyone, especially myself is to some extent hugely limited, unless as you say…..the understanding comes from another source.

I try to help myself discover beauty or truth by asking, “What makes something ugly“? Say “love” for example, or relationships once “beautiful”…..what causes the ugliness? Are there undiscovered lies that causes one to stumble and fall and smash apart things that initially were “beautiful” or “good”?

By: Cassie

Cassie — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:10:53 +0000

You mention “truth” and “goodness” alongside “beauty”. Can there be beauty without truth and goodness? I tend toward the idea that something is beautiful if it has been “kissed” by God – the residue of His glory, or presence. Consider the fact that most of us would be drawn to an”attractive” person, but if that person revealed a vile nature we would no longer consider him/her attractive. The beauty is greatly diminished, or even obliterated, by the absence of truth and goodness. Now, I know “attractive” and “beautiful” are separate things, but I think they are related somehow. A person who is very plain in appearance becomes beautiful as you come to know the compassion that person holds within. You get the idea.

The presence of God, or something/someone displaying a quality of God, is beautiful. The Artist paints a bit of Himself into each created work.

Well, I’m losing my train of thought, and the time of day is growing later so I’d better run. I look forward to reading more comments and more of your thoughts, Jeff.

Have a “beautiful” day!

By: jeffberryman

jeffberryman — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:56:22 +0000

Absolutely. Presence and “vividry” – I love it. Setting aside labels, getting to the pure essence of perception. Seeing the thing itself, and not the word in front of it. Christians like me have much to learn about this. Thanks…

By: Matthew Spears

Matthew Spears — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:20:50 +0000

Beauty is about being completely present for me, putting aside labels. Seeing life again with pure vividry. Loving Awareness : A Journey to Wholeness