What is Beauty?

Posted on by

“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it”. – Confucius

What is beauty?  Is it something you see, you feel or you touch?  Is it a landscape, a work of art, the sing-song of the morning birds, a violin concerto or the precious face of a newborn child?

Beauty is everywhere. It is something we see, we feel, we touch, we smell, we taste and we hear. Although beauty is defined differently by each and every one of us, there is some universality of beauty and we desire it for beauty brings us joy, inspiration and hope. It can even be argued that beauty is essential for human survival.

Listening to an inspiring TED talk on “What is Beauty” made me really think about this profound question. Why is it that we crave beauty? What does beauty mean to each person and how does it differ? And, most of all, what does beauty mean to me?

Simple. Beauty brings us pleasure and happiness. It makes us smile and feel good. Even when we are faced with rough waters, beauty has a way of surprising us and bringing us out of darkness and into the light.

To me, beauty is nature.

Beauty is a sunset painting the sky

Beauty is a heartwarming smile

Beauty is life

I often wonder about why we find certain things beautiful when others do not. Is it the story behind an experience or an object that makes it more beautiful to the eyes of the beholder?

For instance, I find these photographs beautiful.

Peering in through the door at the girls meditating at Protsahan, a non-profit organization in India that helps girls suffering from abuse and poverty heal through the arts.

Photographing these children in an unauthorized slum in Delhi, India.

The view from my bedroom window that is covered in a million diamonds of frost during an extremely cold winter day.

The unexpected surprise at finding rose petals in the snow.

The feeling of warmth and love I receive when watching my children.

What does beauty mean to you? And more importantly, how does it make you feel?

Grace
Rebirth
Purity

This post was inspired by TED Radio Hour talk “What is Beauty”. To listen to the podcast, click here. 

38 thoughts on “What is Beauty?”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you and yes indeed. 😌

      Reply ↓
  2. Dalo Collis – Hong Kong / Hangzhou / Seattle – Built up a textile business in Hong Kong, and have expanded into freelance writing and photography. Permanent resident of Hong Kong, but my heart is in the Pacific Northwest of the USA.
    Dalo 2013 on said:

    These are some incredible photos showing the beauty around the world ~ and most importantly the diversity of beauty out there to be seen and enjoyed by us all. A Daoist sage once said, even when seeing beauty’s cousin “ugliness”, there is still beauty there to be discovered. Wonderful post.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Beautiful comment and quote. I love that. It is important to look for beauty in everything and take the time to notice. 😌

      Reply ↓
  3. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    There’s much beauty in your photographs Nicole!
    Beauty opens the heart. Or perhaps I should say: an open heart sees beauty everywhere.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh Alison I love your comment. Life is so much better when we stop to marvel at all the beauty in the world. I just bought a bouquet of colorful flowers to place in the house.

      Reply ↓
  4. Belinda – Belinda is an environmental justice activist trained in behavior change and community-led interventions. As someone who is curious about the intersection between cities, climate, and health, Belinda hopes to help others design a healthy blueprint and create a resilient planet and future.
    magnetically aesthetic on said:

    These are great shots and I love this post. I agree, beauty is nature and everything around us 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! Hope it made you think of beauty and look at it in a new way. Nature is my favorite beauty of all yet my children also warm me with beauty too.

      Reply ↓
  5. scillagrace – Oregon – I began this blog when I entered my 50th year of life. I have always enjoyed writing and taking photographs. My sister did a profound personal photo project the year she was turning 50, so once again, I followed in her footsteps, taking her idea and doing it my way. My life has changed dramatically in recent years, and I have changed with it. My husband died, my kids moved out, I sold our home and moved to Wisconsin, then followed my kids to Oregon. I suppose I have a lot to process, and I'm sure there will be more.
    scillagrace on said:

    YES! Beauty is the mother of our souls, I think. A most profound and glorious post, aptly illustrated!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I love that “the mother of our souls”. I had been feeling a little down after the holidays and writing this post made me feel joyous and at peace. 😌

      Reply ↓
      • scillagrace – Oregon – I began this blog when I entered my 50th year of life. I have always enjoyed writing and taking photographs. My sister did a profound personal photo project the year she was turning 50, so once again, I followed in her footsteps, taking her idea and doing it my way. My life has changed dramatically in recent years, and I have changed with it. My husband died, my kids moved out, I sold our home and moved to Wisconsin, then followed my kids to Oregon. I suppose I have a lot to process, and I'm sure there will be more.
        scillagrace on said:

        Ah, a marvelous remedy – just like a Mom to give you a little “home cooking” to make you feel better!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Yes indeed! 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      This is a beautiful comment! Yes beauty is so invigorating that it makes you feel alive. I like also the thought of feeling safe and holy. Nice touch and give me something more to explore and think about.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Cristina! Yes hope and healing are indeed beautiful. 😌

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Yes beauty can be found in words too!

      Reply ↓

  9. TED Talks are a nice way to get some “quick” information about current topics. Your entire post was full of beauty from different points of view. Well done. Happy days ahead in the New Year.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I love listening to podcasts when I am walking around the lake. I love TED talks but also enjoying On Being and Radio Lab. I think it is because I love to learn and also get my brain thinking about things I don’t normally ponder. This topic was so fascinating to me. Thanks for your comment Sally!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes and yours always prove it too Debra! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! I am really glad you enjoyed them! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  15. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    A really wonderful post. I love Alison’s comment too, and I’m sure you have a very open heart, Nicole. Everything of the best for the new year. xx

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thanks Sylvia! I try! Thanks as always for your wonderful support! That is what always keeps me blogging! All the wonderful friends like you I’ve met. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  16. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Definitely so much beauty in your photography Nicole. As the saying goes, ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. I believe we need to open our eyes to see the miracles of the small or usual things , that these too can be beautiful.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue! I try to keep my eyes on the lookout. 😌

      Reply ↓

  17. Pingback: Things They Can’t Say

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.