Back when we were first dating, Linda suggested that I learn how to look for beauty in life every day.
When I look back on my application of her suggestion, I am amazed on what a difference it has made in my life in the years that followed. My whole attitude and outlook have become more upbeat as a result.
At first, Linda told me to look for wildflowers as we drove through familiar routes. Until then, I was not aware of the wildflowers as my mind simply ignored them. Once I learned to see them from a distance, Linda suggested that I look at individual wildflowers up close to better appreciate their color, structure and overall beauty. At some locations, we took walks just to see how many different wildflowers grew there. Learning to see was a skill that took some practice.
My next lesson involved me looking for beauty that I could describe and share with others. Hopefully, I could help others appreciate beauty and look for it themselves. Sunsets and sunrises were easy to think of, but when I expanded my outlook to other areas, I really started seeing better. Cloud formations, leaf color, mountains, and fast flowing streams began to take more space in my conscious mind. My ultimate goal was to see the world around me as an artist would see it, plus enjoy and appreciate all the detail. Sharing this skill with others will take some practice.
The beauty of people—especially the fit, well-groomed, and well-dressed—took focus. Then it became admiring others for their speaking, writing or physical abilities, or for their intellectual accomplishments. Noticing these qualities motivated me to work on improving my own skills. I saw that there was much to be learned from others, and I began looking for positive examples so that I could adopt them.
Birds became more interesting when I noticed how they could use the wind to aid flying or when I tried to identify them by their song. Animals were admired for their grace, ability to feed themselves, plus often the uncanny eyesight or hearing they possessed that were necessary for their survival.
The final step in my learning process of looking for beauty became: What can I do to make others see more beauty? If I admire the appearance of others, I should seek to look better myself? Fitness, dress and attitude were areas that needed to be addressed. Use of a smile or kind word or deed has a positive effect. On favorite hikes I pick up litter. If my hike is near home, I prune blackberry vines overhanging the sidewalk. If I can make someone smile today, it’s good. If, simply by listening, I help others experience relief from their burdens, it’s even better.
The city of Mercer Island owns a small piece of land across the street from my home on the corner of two well-traveled streets. After a few years of watching weeds and blackberries grow there, I decided to care for the land by removing weeds, mowing the grass, and even planting a small flower garden for passersby to notice. To keep the garden growing, I carry buckets of water from my property across the street. I acknowledge the beauty and liveliness of my new garden, but what brightens my spirit is when others notice me working there and stop their automobile just to tell me that they appreciate what I am doing.
I am grateful for being shown how to look for beauty. Now I look for wildflowers and smile when I see them. I have even been known to plant a few in my new garden.
Roger Urbaniak writes about the Great Outdoors from his home on Mercer Island. “Rogers Outdoor Channel” is the place to learn about the adventures of Northwest Outdoor Enthusiast Roger Urbaniak along with his lovely wife Linda and trusty pooch Sparky. Visit rogersoutdoorchannel.comfor more information or email Roger at admin@rogersoutdoorchannel.com.
