The Power of Beauty
In my own space, I surround myself with beauty. My eyes can rest on an air plant, a photograph, or my tinkling fountain and I can find joy and peace in what I see. Visual cues are a major contributor to behavior. When I see something that “needs doing” it could inspire me to take action, or it could cause me to feel helpless. When I see something in a state of decay, disorder, or ugliness, it could inspire me to invigorate it or to feel despair. When I see something beautiful, however, the worst outcome would be blind indifference. The best outcomes include feeling more creative, restored, tranquil, or happy. Beauty is a value that is lost to most of America. The overall culture shames you for being materialistic, for being vain, for being “shallow.” However, appreciating beauty is no more shallow than enjoying a delicious, well-prepared meal. Identifying special visual treasures is no more shallow than stopping and smelling a rose. Carefully creating composition that deli