One of the spiritual leaders in Buddhism is called the Karmapa. I heard some beautiful stories about the current one. He demonstrates how we can all see plenty of beauty in our surroundings. When visiting a new city on a dreary day, he commented with honest fascination on all the tones of gray interwoven amidst the clouds in the sky. Another time, when speaking to students in a run-down pub or bar of sorts, he did not choose to be deterred or distracted by the shabbiness that others focused on. Instead, he was excited because he had never given a talk before in a place that had a disco ball! I love these :)
One way to open your eyes to unnoticed beauty is to ask yourself, ‘What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?’
-Rachel Carson
Do you want to direct your attention to where others are trying to draw it, or can you control your focus and find the best beauty in as many moments as possible? We have that choice constantly. I sugjest choosing to behold beauty whenever and wherever you can. Do not let others drag you down to wallow in their way of wavering. Direct your deliberate devotion to the natural and divine beauty that wraps itself around us. You need only open your eyes and accept the warm hug that is always there waiting for you.
A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.
-Roald Dahl
What are your thoughts often like? Are they sunny and beautiful? I sugjest forgiving yourself for and letting go of your past way(s) of thinking. Start shifting the narrative. You control your inner monologue. I know how horrible mine used to be. It is not perfect now, but it is significantly better. There is more beauty in my mind now, so I am now a much more beautiful being as a result of it. I strongly sugjest supplanting sewage and sludge. It may take time to make it budge, but your health and well-being are worth that nudge.
Mind your thoughts, as they become your words. Mind your words, as they become your actions. Mind your actions, as they become you.
-Buddha
“The past is full of inspiring possibilities that must guide us today so we always act as if change is possible.” Your path is full of beautiful and positive opportunities, and change is truly possible. Do you choose to be more beautiful now? Why are you dulling yourself?
Never dull your shine for somebody else.
-Tyra Banks
Please patiently proceed to peacefully produce the prettiest and most pristine lane that you can possibly procure. Promote a positive pattern for peers to peer upon and ponder about please. Some people will continue choosing to ignore beauty, delighting in wrongly warping whatever is right in front of them. Be mindful of how such a mindset may mold your meanings. Would you rather see the beauty or the beast? Be my beautiful guest.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.