Seeing Beautiful Things in Humble Places

Have you heard this quote before?

Blessed are those who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing. - Camille Pissarro

This is one of my favorite quotes from Camille Pissarro, a painter from the mid 20th century involved in the Impressionist movement. 

Camille Pissarro is known for his brushy, vibrant landscapes.

The trees, skies, and clouds blend together in a gorgeous array of busy brushstrokes. Even though it's a still image, it's almost as if you can feel the wind rushing through the branches. The bustle of the city has loudly made its mark on the page. The light, falling gently on the grass.

The interesting thing about Impressionism is that for the first time, painters are prioritizing how things feel rather than how they realistically look. 

It's all about light. The sun moving across the sky, painting a different hue, a different color temperature upon the grass.

There's an emphasis on the temporary and fleeting nature of life.

Something I think about how often the modern age, (ahem... the internet...) can sometimes influence our perception to believe that things are unchanging and permanent.

A photo or video frozen in time. Someone's opinion timestamped and reacted to by thousands.

I don't personally find this to be a natural way of perceiving the world.

Instead, I know that we are forever changing and flexible.

At least... That's what I always try to aim for. 

I try to say: It's easy to change my mind.

We are of the earth, the same as the trees and grass and flowers.

We need nurturing and love to bloom. We have seasons where we wilt, and seasons where we grow.

Anytime I'm feeling too stressed, stretched too thin, or out of alignment, it's often because I'm trying to force myself to be something unchanging, unmovable, and larger than who I really am.

I'm just a flower of this earth, just as you are.

Flexible, temporary, flowing in the wind.

It's only natural that we want to walk the earth trying to find beauty in all the little nooks and crannies. After all... Isn't that what brings us closer together?

The idea that I'm just like you, and you're just like me.

I'd love to hear what small things you're finding beautiful today. My inbox is always open. ♡