See It All Beautiful

Mindfully Speaking

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

I sent a Snap of my cottage breakfast to a few friends today — to people I knew would appreciate it for what it was — a quick capture of beautiful simplicity. An encapsulation of gratitude, of mindfulness.

It was two toasted crumpets, smeared with melting peanut butter, and a bowl of fresh raspberries nestled against a small container of coconut yogurt. It was on a bright red tin camp plate, sitting atop our old white propane stove, with the sunlight hitting it just right. Looking at it made me smile and created an authentic moment of delight and simple joy. So, I shared it.

As I sat outside in the sunshine to eat, I was again drawn to the visual appeal of the meal. It was striking as well as delicious. The berries were deep red, large and perfect. I ate them slowly, one by one, with my fingers, savouring their taste in my mouth as I gazed at the lake.

I thought about those who scoff at food pics shared on social media, those who wonder aloud why anyone would care to see someone else’s meal. I thought of how many times that perspective stopped me from posting such a photo.

I reflected on my intention: why do I feel pulled to take and to share such pictures? I am a foodie and take great delight in cooking and eating. But it isn’t just about that. It’s about recognizing simple beauty in the world, about mindfully inhabiting each moment, and about sharing everyday pleasures.

I thought about the negativity surrounding social media and the opinion that “it’s all so fake” — that people only share the best parts of themselves and their experiences. I have said so myself. Today, however, I found myself wondering — what is wrong with that?

I know from experience that the more we look for pleasure, beauty, and joy, the more we see it. Taking a picture to share means I am seeing things with eyes that make it all beautiful. Gratitude grows with slowing down, seeing clearly, and mindfully acknowledging our blessings, both big and small.

Was the breakfast pic artfully cropped to cut out the unwashed dishes and toast crumbs on the counter? Yup. And so what!? That is merely evidence that in that moment I was zoomed in — hyper-focused — seeing the splendid amid the mundane. Yay, for me!

Go forth and practice — keep your eyes open and see it all beautiful. Then share it — and teach others to see it all beautiful, too.

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.” — Ernest Hemingway