“The news broadcasts cover the dark side of humanity, the nasty, ugly, tough, brutal behaviors of some and I need to know that this is going on. But I also seek antidotes to this dark side, I look for the beauty inherent in nature. As I look at my photographs of this sculpture*, I am reminded of the beauty of most of the people I know, but also know that this beauty is delicate. I (we) need to nurture this beauty in others so it can flourish.”
Pat, blogger & photographer
*Utopia by Jaume Plensa (installed at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MI)
Beauty Inherent in Humanity
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Darkness is abundant and easy to focus on, but the lighter, more beautiful side of life can be difficult to appreciate and is often taken for granted.
We (you & I & others) as music makers are often the doorway for others to glimpse the more beautiful side of life…
Laura, such beauty and philosophy this grey morning! We must indeed nurture the beauty, let the goodness in the world have a voice in the midst of the darkness! The song has hit me in the gut, in the best of ways – poetic, melodic and with the most powerful of messages! Thank you so much for sharing and a post that has settled upon my soul. Bless! Hugs xx 💕
So happy to hear from you, Annika. You’re one of the great ‘nurturers’ 🙂
Beautiful post and wonderful reminder. There is so much good and kindess in the world we have to make an effort to remember that when all we were shown is what horrors are going on.
…and the Beauty we make with our hands helps in reminding us, too.
🙂
Thank you and blessings to you too
Sage thoughts, Laura. We’re inundated by negativity and hostility on a daily basis. It’s good to remember that which hopefully still binds us together.
Yeah, it’s good to get back to basics – Like the ‘Golden Rule’ mentioned by Mariss below. I hope you and Gorgeous are slated for a fun Memorial Day weekend of activities!
I’ve come to believe that most people are trying to be good, do the right thing, but are lead astray by greedy leaders who enjoy bringing out the worst in people.
Well put, Ms Bean.
Thank you for this reminder.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
I think the source is the Anglican prayer book and I have probably misquoted.
Yes! The Golden Rule. Many sources for this, of course – which shows how universal this truth is, standing the test of time. Reminders help me to refocus and move forward. Bless you, Mariss.
🙂
Regardless of the news, I maintain my belief that the majority of people in the world are good because it’s the leaders who screw up relationships. Well done, Laura!
You’re right, Frank. It is a fact of history: everyday ‘us’ live our lives, create ‘beauty’, work on relationships, etc all while living subject to the whims of those in power & control. It’s a big world out there, regardless of who tries to narrow the view.
Yes, we do need these reminders that there is far more beauty in the world and in us than the ugliness we see in our newsfeeds. Those face sculptures were so lovely and the song as well. Thank you, flower-sister.
The emerging of something (faces) from marble/stone fascinates me – the sculptor’s process. It feels alive, not static.
Oh, I needed to read this! Thank you, Laura, and Pat 🙂 We visited some friends last night and, try as we might, our conversations kept turning to the dark side. There is beauty in the world and in people. The effort in looking is worth it.
Yes, the effort in looking is worth it, Marie! And remember, others see the beauty in you, too. One person does make a difference.
From the song – darkness comes quickly and danger in the anger. So very true, Laura! If we look for the good, we shall find it. Thanks for sharing!
That line caught my eye also. Glad to pass on these sentiments expressed by others among us.
It makes me so happy to see that my words touched your mind and soul resulting in you creating something bigger than my work. I never suspected that we would be working together, Laura, and doing it so well. 🙂
I like that, Pat – a blogger collaboration! That’s what us (he)artists do, ya know? 😎
Laura, I agree!!! And what a beautiful quote and song! 😊 Yes, let’s celebrate the beauty! I just finished listening to Bach’s Toccato and Fugue in D Minor. I love the beauty of the piece and especially the coda. So beautiful!!
And I love that you recognized the ‘coda’ as a distinct part of the structure of the piece (albeit the ending!) 🙂
I’m not at all surprised at your liking this, as it does tend to get paired with more films of the haunted house variety! 😉
It’s interesting that horror filmmakers are so keen on this piece. Maybe because of the organ music, which I guess they associate with The Phantom of the Opera? I was introduced to it through Fantasia. But the piece was rerranged for the orchestra. So I associate it with the grandeur of an orchestra.