THE NECESSITY OF BEAUTY
Practicing mindfulness can be the beginning of kindness to your heart, soul, mind, and body. Mindfulness is being present in the moment without judgement and without trying to change it. It is the practice of observing/wordless watching through the senses. It is focused attention and growing awareness through our senses. If you are not paying attention to your five senses, you can’t observe/wordless watch.
The heart, soul, mind and body carry much without the kindness of mindfulness. They can carry unacknowledged harm, loss, grief, etc. It can be the default of human nature to push down, push through, neglect and deny the things we don’t want to feel, acknowledge or think about. When we do this and avoid the pain/distress through behaviors/attitudes/actions that are not helpful it actually compounds the issues and offers a false sense of relief. On the other hand, when we are intentional and mindful about the heart, soul, mind, and body’s need for beauty, the process of restoration can begin.
Here is a short list of examples of beauty that would be helpful to your heart, soul, mind and body:
nature, sunshine, stormy skies, the star filled night, the moon, back roads, the country, mountains, fresh air, oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, etc., compassion, kindness to others and self, physical movement, music, dance, yard work, creating art, viewing art, offering grace to your heart…in other words all forms of beauty.
Here is a short list of examples that would not be helpful to your heart, soul, mind, and body:
television, computer, social media, malls, traffic, airports, people that drain you, politics, all work and no play, violence in all forms (movies, books, real life, emotional, sexual, physical, etc.), giving in to urges that are destructive, and the list goes on.
Even as you read the helpful and not helpful list, did you notice the differences in your body’s sensations, thoughts, emotions, and/or images? What was the reaction and sensations you observed? Which list fills you with soothing and delight?
Being intentional about beauty is easier than it seems. Yes, the once in a lifetime vacations are beautiful. However, the heart, soul, mind, and body need more than that. Be intentional. It can be as small as a flower on your back deck, hearing a song on the radio, etc. Be attentive. Look around for beauty as you go through your day. Consider where you can begin to look for daily doses of beauty.
Beauty is a necessity.
~Cynthia Morris
https://surehopecounseling.com/cynthia-morris-trauma-child-abuse/
