The Perception of Beauty

I woke up at 3:33 a.m. this morning. A feeling that someone is standing behind was the cause of my awakening. While turning, I realized what it was about.

Already knowing what I am going to see, I looked at the clock: 3:33.

"Okay, fine, what is the message?" I surrendered quickly since my oh-so-rational mind was still half asleep.

"Gotta write - gotta write - gotta write." In a mesmerizing rhythm came the words too simple to argue with.

It was too late to pretend I am deep asleep, and still too early to go into analyzing. I chose to get lost in the infinite space of dreams - until the sun is up.

* * *
Today is gorgeous, filled with the blue shine of the brilliant skies and red flames of maple leaves outside of my window. The sun sends its light to all; no distinction is made.

A shadow moved across the trees, and a moment later an eagle made its royal passage above my head. I am standing in admiration for the certainty of the flight, and the bravery of autumnal blossom of a red rose that greets everyone whose path leads to my house.

Since I started to paint last year my ability to see has changed. To be more precise, my point of observation shifted from a habitual way of labeling and categorizing to heart's perception. And to a heart, all is Beauty.

I had a few surprises along the way. For instance, having a task of drawing a rose, I discovered that each layer of petals consists of triads. I was utterly surprised: How many roses I have seen in my life, and never noticed such an obvious thing?? And how many of those nature's wonders do we miss using our habit-altered perception?