True, natural beauty isn't always easy to find in the modern world.
Everything is being replaced by technology, and finding the balance and majesty in nature can feel impossible. Everything is being digitized. All the wonderful colors found in nature are being taken over by metallic chrome colors. Sounds like bird songs and wind used to be easy to find.
Now, most people have to drive miles and miles to get a moment of peace and quiet without cars or construction noises or phones pinging at all hours of the day.
Just over 100 years ago, about half of Americans lived in rural areas and had all the nature they could want. Nowadays, for many Americans, a trip out of the city or their suburban neighborhood is called a "vacation." It seems crazy to me that it takes so much effort for a single moment of calmness.
With so many distractions and so little Mother Nature in our daily environment, it's little wonder why mental illness is so prevalent. People need to spend some time reveling in the beautiful things in the world. If you're like me and you live in a place where you can't easily access that serenity that only being alone in nature provides, remember to look for the beauty in these seemingly simple places.
The color of eyes
It is a known fact that cats have the prettiest eyes
It is said that eyes are the gateway to the soul. If that is so, then they must reflect the beauty inside yourself.
There are little details in eyes that are absolutely breathtaking. Just look up a zoomed in picture of a cat eye. It reminds me of a volcano or the Grand Canyon or something like that. It's nearly indescribable. I feel blessed to see the intricacies of my own cats' eyes every day. In order to understand you just have to see for yourself.
The background instruments in a song
Rather than just listening to the words, listen to the harmony and all the instruments that are used to create the music.
There may instruments you've never heard of being used. Maybe you thought there was a violin or a cello but it's actually a harp! Listen and try to identify at least 5 different instruments in your favorite song (assuming there are that many).
Stars in the night sky
The best way to enjoy a starry night is to go as far as possible away from streetlights and any other light sources and to lay back wherever you are and look up.
Apps such as Star Chart can also provide a map of the constellations in the sky above you. I love trying to find various constellations based on the app and making my own. Sometimes I even try to count the stars!
Facial expressions
Patti Korleski
Babies have some of the most expressive faces ever. You can always tell if they are sad, happy, curious, shocked - it's like reading an open book! People of all ages can have these kind of fun expressions though if you pay close enough attention. Next time your friend is distracted, maybe taking notes in class or listening to music, look closely at their face. You'll learn more than words could ever describe.
The underlying flavors in food
I can never resist IHOP's banana nutella crepes.
Beauty isn't limited to sights and sounds. Why not explore the delicious tastes of your food? See how many ingredients you recognize. Casseroles and burritos are great to do this with. Especially if you don't know what the exact ingredients are to begin with.
Lights in a sleeping city
Whenever I am walking home from someplace late or am just taking a midnight stroll, I will look around at the buildings or houses around me and count how many lights I see inside. My favorite thing to do when I'm on a late night flight is, while landing, look out the window and see the beautiful city lights. Bodies of water are especially noticeable because of the absolute blackness that covers them.
Plants growing through the cracks in the sidewalk
"But they're weeds!" Who cares? In a big city, sometimes this is the closest you will get to nature all day. Sometimes there's hardly any grass at all in the cities. Seeing even just this little bit of green can be a relief that the earth is not entirely broken to human machines.
Mixed colors in a work of art
PS: This is very easy to make. Look it up on Pinterest.
Colors blend in such amazing ways. Everytime I look at art I'm truly inspired by how much time, effort, and patience must go into each detail. It's hard to even dream of having that much talent. The colors are what get me most though. They can be so vivid and yet blend and complement each other is such unique ways. Looking at art makes me want to get off my butt and be productive!
Fuzzy blankets
Katie Miller
Warm, fuzzy blankets are life's greatest gift. They are soft and cozy and somehow always seems to feel like home. If you ever feel homesick, all you need to do is curl up in a comfy spot with your fluffly pillow and favorite blanket. There's nothing wrong with having one extra special blankie... or two... or three....
A warm hug
Tori Renovitch
Hugs from grandma and grandpa are always warm and welcoming - no exceptions. There's something so loving and sweet about a hug that makes you feel so safe and cherished. No matter where you are or what's going on when you receive a hug from a loved one it's like coming home.
Bakery scents
The sweet, warm aroma of a bakery can make any day a great one. It's a treat to simply breathe in the exquisite scent of the treats! The vanilla and chocolate scents mix together to form its own version of heaven. The smells and tastes of a bakery are enough to put anyone on cloud nine.
Sunrises and sunsets
No matter if you're a morning person or a night owl, the colors generated by the sun's unfailing rising and setting are stunning to watch. It doesn't matter if you're at the beach, in the mountains, or on the fields of Kansas. The myriad of warm colors ranging from pink to orange and purple to yellow can take anyone's breath away. Taking time out of your day to simply enjoy the colors of the sky will significantly lift your self-esteem.
YOU
My mom looking stunning as she always does
Find the beauty in yourself! It is important that you love yourself first because if you don't, how can you love others? Search yourself for something beautiful. Maybe it's your looks or your personality or your talents. It doesn't matter, find something good in and grip it tight. Never let go of what makes you special. What makes you beautiful.
man running in forestPhoto by 
