I like walking the beach. It’s good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.
It is beautiful here – so today I wonder about beauty. What is beauty? Why is it different for everyone? Why is beauty in the eyes of the beholder?
We apply beauty to people, places, and things as events, music, arts, architecture, and more. The bottom line: Beauty is a state of pleasure; a specialized level of satisfaction.
For me, I think the most beautiful places I’ve seen. Nā Pali coast on Hawaii’s island of Kauai being the most beautiful uninhabitable place. But where people live, Italy’s Amalfi Coast grabs me with an irresistible force. Through my heritage, the valley setting of Bagni di Lucca on the Serchio River in northern Tuscany touches my heart.
The beauty of events etch a memory forever. Watching a sunset behind the Pacific from a plateau above the sea on Kauai was spectacular. Approaching Venice on a cruise ship, then going through a canal to dock streetside is a memory stuck in my brain. The colors of the sunrise I see here on this coast are inspiring. The tear that rolled down my check when I saw my wife walk down the aisle at our wedding.
Beauty is the peace delivered by a different messenger to different people – maybe a baby’s smile, a gentle touch, the togetherness of family, a ray of sunshine, or even a personal walk on a beach.
Nature’s beauty shows through its seemingly infinite design. Snow-capped mountains, sandy beaches, brilliant flowers, colorful fish, a herd of wild animals on a distant slope of grass – let alone the mathematical brilliance of a Fibonacci pattern or the brilliant geometrical designs seen through electron micrographs or even a spider’s web – or how common life processes are accomplished by a range of organisms from a single cell to plants to the largest animal.
The colors displayed by the Grand Canyon’s rock layers is one thing – but how the sun’s angle changes them throughout the day is inspiringly beautiful.
Although beauty can vary across time and cultures, through nature and behaviors, beauty is also timeless. The beauty of a person’s actions as sincerity, goodness, charitableness, helpfulness, and kindness are just that – timeless and not limited by cultural boundaries – as are the empathetic heart and listening ear.
Beauty is that combination of shape, color, and pattern that we find in art. Certain pieces and styles move a person – they stir the soul – but to others, their teeth hurt because their tastes and preferences differ. They see beauty elsewhere.
We can hear beauty. From the babbling stream, to the roaring water of a grand waterfall, to the calming waters of a walk on the beach, or a walk in a serene meadow. The physical beauty and natural sounds can capture the soul.
We hear the beauty of words. Some inspire, while others honor. Some words transform us, while others deliver peace and comfort through the right place at the right time.
The beauty of music can transport us to another place. Rachmaninoff delivers love while Copeland brings pride through instrumental compositions. Many others do it through their voice that sings the beauty of the lyricist’s phrases.
I look across humanity to see many physical beauties: the glow of Nordic beauty – the exoticness of Middle Eastern beauty – the sensuality of Mediterranean beauty – the kindness in Oriental beauty – the steely and mysterious nature of Eastern European beauty – the regal confidence of African beauty – the uniqueness of Indian beauty that perhaps comes from cultural blending through genetics over many years.
Beauty is something we can see in cultures – through dress, customs, language, and actions. Each of our cultures do something for ourselves, while other cultures may be different, one can find beauty there.
Beauty is not limited to the eyes and ears. Aromas from the kitchen ignite a bountiful of beautiful thoughts and memories. We notice the beauty when our fingers pass over the smooth surface of a fine sculpture or the soft skin of our lover.
Let us not forget the beauty beach shells provide as I walk. From the physical designs to the combination of colors – from the small to the large – the smooth to the ridged. There is beauty in those shells for those taking time to look.
Yes, each of us determine beauty through our own lens. More importantly, life is full of beauty for those who not only take time to look and listen – but also to engage all the senses.
This beach is a beautiful place providing a collection of various beauties. Thinking about beauty is a reason I like walking the beach, which is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.
There is so much beauty in the world and not enough time to see it all. Well done, Frank.
LikeLiked by 4 people
John,
Right on. We also need to take the time to notice the beauty that is directly in front of us every day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true.
LikeLike
Beautiful post, Frank. I echo John. There is so much beauty in the world – both far and wide and close to home. All we have to do is look.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dale,
I second you motion … just take the time to look! … and it’s not only about people because nature offers ever so much!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nature, moments, objects, people….😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an incredibly moving pairing of imagery and music. Beautiful. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cindy,
I stumbled across this video months ago, therefore waiting for the opportunity to use it … and it seems to fit in this post. Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLike
Gosh Frank. When you look at the world like this, it is stacked with beauty. This is a truly wonderful post – almost like a tribute to all that is gorgeous in the world. My favorite part “The tear that rolled down my check when I saw my wife walk down the aisle at our wedding.” So beautiful Frank.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Rachel,
Thanks for sharing your interpretation because your thoughts is what I was hoping for by using different aspects of beauty. So you have validated by thoughts. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, and what a beautiful post this is… I’m sure this is not subjective either! Although true beauty is objective, the one that brings joy and peace to each of us, is subjective. Loved the song too. Perfect for a Monday morning. Thank you, Frank! Yamas! 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Marina,
Happy to know that you enjoyed both the words and the music. Love you message about objective and subjective. Thanks for sharing – Yamas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 🙂 🍷
LikeLike
This is SO GOOD. Enjoyed every word.
Beauty is an enigma. That each of us find it in different, unique places is what makes each of special, the observer and the object of beauty.
These for me are my favourite posts. We get to see your wonderful self all thoughtful and profound. Love it
Xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fiery,
“Beauty is an enigma.” That line is so wonderful, I may have to use it in a rewrite of this posts! Love it! Glad you enjoyed this series. It’s fun to write and I still have more to share. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My gift to you lol!
Many hugs and yes don’t stop writing these…and don’t forget my “destiny” suggestion….
♡♡♡♡♡
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love it … you will make my notes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many types of beauty, and so much to consider. You did it well here, Frank!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Merril,
Thanks … I intentionally tried to take a broad view, so thanks for letting me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cincy,
Beauty is what speaks to us, indeed. It possesses a geometrical uniqueness that is specific to the person who enjoys it. Which is a beauty in its own right, huh?
And I miss John Denver.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marc,
Glad you enjoyed this one … and oh my … love your choice of words that I may have to incorporate into a re-write!
Move over Pats … here come the Fins!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beauty! You inspired it though. 🙂
We got those Patsies right where we want ’em!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you kind sir.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely message Frank, there is so much beauty in the world we need just see it. Beautiful song by John Denver, his music was all about the beauty around us. Have a lovely day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Holly,
Thank you … and your comments are right on point. … and it’s good to have a princess on these pages.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Thank you Frank! Resa keeps me busy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a beautiful just-shy-of 80º F on Saturday, with mid-60’s yesterday. In November. 😲 Today I’m watching a beautiful Norman Rockwell-like falling snow storm with temps in the teens. Thank you for taking us on a beautiful walk.
LikeLike
It’s interesting how our perception of beauty evolves, too. For example, when I first saw the desert landscape of Utah, the absence of green (my favorite color) made it appear ugly. Now that I’m steeped into this landscape it’s endlessly and deeply beautiful to me.
LikeLike
Your wonderful post has me flummoxed this morning trying to decide what to include as my concepts of beauty. Music-wise I’m with you on the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff, particularly the 1st Mov. of his Second Piano Concerto. Also I’ll include John Denver’s vowel sounds as they come through in his recording of “Aspenglow,” in the video you included. By the way, I rank Denver’s vowel sounds as second only to Bing Crosby’s. Beyond that I’ll go with the 7th hole at the Pebble Beach Golf Course.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tim,
There’s so much to say about the beauty in music. Thinking about singing voices, our ears have a listening preference, therefore prefer certain voices. Personally, a prefer mellow, rounded altos. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
LikeLike
What a lovely (beautiful) post, Frank. I make a point of finding some gift from the natural world to enhance each day. It’s not difficult at all. If we keep our attention tuned to what’s around us beauty is in abundance. That’s what often keeps me going when the grittiness of life can suck the life out of me! I know where to get an infusion of joy and hope–sometimes it’s just luxuriating in my own garden. Now a beach walk is a sure thing any time. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Debra,
It’s good to see that there are some out there that know and practice what this post is about. Yes, beauty is around us and very abundant! Love how you use it as a respite from the grittiness of life. Well stated!
LikeLike