One of the strangest effects modern life continues to have on me is to get me to appreciate aspects to my upbringing that I never thought were benefits. For example: I grew up in a small town well before the internet. Which meant I couldn't choose my friends.
Some were popular, some weren't, some looked presentable, others didn't, and none of it mattered. Because we were all stuck with one another, what mattered was how we treated each other.
Not sure of the extent to which that still holds true today.
That's really beautiful, Richard. And inspiring!! 😊🙏 Thank you for sharing. You have illustrated that experience of life is subjective and the beauty or ugliness are only present within us, not without. It is one of the best pieces of writing I have read in a very long time! Bravo!!
Katarina, Thank you so much. This idea has been bouncing around in my head for quite a while, and I finally decided to put it down on paper. I'm grateful for your kind words and perspective on perspective!
So I read this yesterday and I had to think about what I wanted to say in a comment so I just came back to read it again. We are all ugly in some aspects, as you point out. I think when we can embrace the ugliness, in ourselves or others, that is when we really become whole.
Thanks for writing this. It made me think. Keep writing, Richard. I love your perspectives.
Beauty is rare and belongs only to the Divine. None of us is beautiful because none of us is perfect - if you look close enough there are always flaws. "Ugly" is real - it is what we are behind the facade of "beauty." Both are, as you said, defined by the current culture. So, to love the ugly is to love the real person, which I think we all do if we love at all because beauty fades but ugly stays. Thanks for sharing!
Patrick, It's so nice of you to say hello. I'm grateful for your kind words and feedback, and I'm thankful to Katarina for passing it along. I hope it helps reframe some perspectives. I'm glad to meet you.
One of the strangest effects modern life continues to have on me is to get me to appreciate aspects to my upbringing that I never thought were benefits. For example: I grew up in a small town well before the internet. Which meant I couldn't choose my friends.
Some were popular, some weren't, some looked presentable, others didn't, and none of it mattered. Because we were all stuck with one another, what mattered was how we treated each other.
Not sure of the extent to which that still holds true today.
Yes, James. This is what I’m getting at. We see people for who they are, who their character shows them to be.
That's really beautiful, Richard. And inspiring!! 😊🙏 Thank you for sharing. You have illustrated that experience of life is subjective and the beauty or ugliness are only present within us, not without. It is one of the best pieces of writing I have read in a very long time! Bravo!!
Katarina, Thank you so much. This idea has been bouncing around in my head for quite a while, and I finally decided to put it down on paper. I'm grateful for your kind words and perspective on perspective!
So I read this yesterday and I had to think about what I wanted to say in a comment so I just came back to read it again. We are all ugly in some aspects, as you point out. I think when we can embrace the ugliness, in ourselves or others, that is when we really become whole.
Thanks for writing this. It made me think. Keep writing, Richard. I love your perspectives.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate your engagement and encouragement. It means so much.
ugly is in your head⬅️ Exactly!
As the saying goes, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
Personally, I was taught to see beauty in everything. Regardless the exterior n look right into the soul.✌️
You are a gentle soul n you have a beautiful heart, Richard! 👍
Your posts show how you perceived the world with a different lens n always choose love! 🙏😊
Than you Janet. I think changing perspective is sometimes just moving a little bit one direction and everything changes even with one step.
An intriguing angle.
I think by starting by addressing the physical we can talk about the spiritual.
Beauty is rare and belongs only to the Divine. None of us is beautiful because none of us is perfect - if you look close enough there are always flaws. "Ugly" is real - it is what we are behind the facade of "beauty." Both are, as you said, defined by the current culture. So, to love the ugly is to love the real person, which I think we all do if we love at all because beauty fades but ugly stays. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful and precious, thank you Mr. Bryant. Be happy, G
Patrick, It's so nice of you to say hello. I'm grateful for your kind words and feedback, and I'm thankful to Katarina for passing it along. I hope it helps reframe some perspectives. I'm glad to meet you.