In a world cluttered with visual noise, superficial judgments, and ‘beauty standards,’ the concept of beauty can seem elusive and exclusive. However, embrace a simple paradigm shift and live in a different world, one of abundant beauty. What if we allow ourselves to feel beauty instead of just seeing it? Suddenly, the vibrant hues of a sunset aren’t ‘pretty’ – they’re awe-inspiring. The laughter of loved ones becomes more than a sound – it becomes the melody of love. And the smell and taste of your morning coffee – safety and comfort. By allowing ourselves to feel beauty, we awaken to the richness and depth of life’s experiences, finding joy and wonder in the most unexpected places.

As we continue the Abundant Living series, we will explore the transformative power of taking Ownership of our perception of beauty, learn how to feel beauty by taking simple, actionable steps, and why it matters more than ever.

Embracing the feeling of beauty is not merely a philosophical exercise; it has tangible benefits for our well-being and perspective on life. When we prioritize feeling beauty, we cultivate a more positive outlook, enhancing our overall mood and resilience in the face of challenges. By experiencing beauty in its many forms, we foster a deeper connection with ourselves, others, and the world around us, leading to greater empathy, compassion, and understanding.

A study by López-Pérez et al. (2020), published in Frontiers in Psychology, sheds light on the profound impact appreciating beauty has on three aspects of life:

• Enhanced Well-Being: The researchers found that individuals who reported higher levels of appreciation for beauty, particularly in nature, also tended to have higher levels of subjective well-being. This suggests that experiencing beauty contributes positively to overall happiness and life satisfaction.

• Increased Meaning in Life: The study revealed a positive correlation between the appreciation of beauty and a sense of meaning in life. This indicates that individuals more attuned to beauty in their surroundings may also perceive greater purpose and significance in their lives.

• Psychological Benefits: Beyond subjective well-being and meaning in life, the study suggests that appreciating beauty may offer additional psychological benefits, such as stress reduction, improved mood, and enhanced resilience in the face of adversity.

Now that we’ve explored the profound benefits of embracing beauty let’s delve into practical steps to cultivate this appreciation and experience beauty in its fullest form.