Discover the Wonders of Being Extraordinary Even When Feeling Ordinary

Ordinary: Finding Beauty in the Mundane

If you take a moment to observe your surroundings, you’ll realize that there is beauty in the ordinary. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of grandeur, but sometimes, the most beautiful moments are found in the small things. The world we live in is full of wonder, and it’s up to us to open our eyes and appreciate it.

The Beauty of Everyday Life

When we think of beauty, the first thing that comes to mind is usually something grand or majestic. However, beauty can also be found in the simplest things, like a sunrise or a flower growing through the crack in the pavement. Learning to appreciate the beauty of everyday life can help us find joy and contentment in the present moment.

The Ordinary Instant by Rumi is a beautiful poem that speaks to this sentiment:

I said to the sun, “Tell me about the big bang.”
The sun said, “it hurts to become.”
I said to the river, “Tell me about the ocean.”
It laughed and replied, “you’ll have to see for yourself.”
I said to the tree, “Speak to me of essence.”
The tree said, “I am the wind’s lover.”
I said to the bird, “Sing to me of yearning.”
The bird said, “I have lived it and can’t speak of it.”
I said to the heart, “Shatter to me the illusion of life.”
The heart said, “I will ruin you and mend you at the same time.”
I said to love, “Tell me about the madness of men.”
Love said, “Rumi, there is nothing I can say.”

This poem reminds us that beauty cannot always be explained or understood. Sometimes, it simply needs to be experienced and appreciated.

The Art of Seeing

Learning to find beauty in the ordinary requires a shift in perspective. We need to train ourselves to see things differently and appreciate the beauty in everything around us. This is what artistic vision is all about.

A great example of this is the work of photographer William Eggleston. Eggleston is known for his use of vibrant colors and for finding beauty in the mundane. His photographs of parking lots, gas stations, and suburban neighborhoods are a celebration of the ordinary.

Another example is the Japanese art of wabi-sabi. Wabi-sabi is a worldview focused on finding beauty in imperfection and transience. This concept emphasizes that there is beauty in simplicity, in the rustic, and in the imperfect.

The Importance of Gratitude

Finally, finding beauty in the ordinary requires a sense of gratitude. When we appreciate the simple things in life, we are more likely to feel content and fulfilled. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can improve our mental and emotional well-being and help us find joy in everyday life.

Gratefulness.org is a great resource for anyone looking to cultivate gratitude in their lives. The website is dedicated to helping people find joy and meaning through gratefulness.

In Conclusion

The next time you find yourself searching for beauty, take a moment to look around you. The ordinary is full of wonder, and there is beauty in the mundane. By training ourselves to see things differently and cultivating a sense of gratitude, we can find joy and contentment in everyday life.