I took both of these pictures today while hiking in the woods. We found an old building being taken over by the surrounding nature. On the outside of the building, there is beauty in the form of the ivy growing up the walls. On the inside, there is beauty in the form of graffiti artwork, probably done by local teens. Some of them have written their names, some have written poetry, and most of the graffiti was peace signs and slogans for peace. We never know what we will find when we keep our minds open.
The same is true with people. We should be careful about making judgments based on appearances. We all do it based upon past experiences and prejudices. We cannot control our impulses to do this, but we can acknowledge our judgments and choose to overcome them. When we see someone who our society typically labels as "obese", "unhealthy", or "lazy", we should mentally check ourselves, smile, and say, "Hello." Open yourself to the beauty in others.
“Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see
us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us
is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.”
-Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet
The same is true with people. We should be careful about making judgments based on appearances. We all do it based upon past experiences and prejudices. We cannot control our impulses to do this, but we can acknowledge our judgments and choose to overcome them. When we see someone who our society typically labels as "obese", "unhealthy", or "lazy", we should mentally check ourselves, smile, and say, "Hello." Open yourself to the beauty in others.
“Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see
us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us
is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.”
-Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet