Inspired by Beauty?

Have you ever been struck by the beauty around you? Have you ever taken five seconds out of your busy schedule to glance at your surroundings? Or for that matter, been in awe at the simplest, sweetest human experiences? Like holding a baby and watching his/her expressions, or glancing at the tangled branches of trees as you're walking somewhere? Perhaps it has been the Voice of the ultimate Creator speaking to you through lyrics in music when you most needed to be moved. Maybe it was the music itself as you tapped your fingers on an instrument, and you dared to asked what story was being told by the beauty of the notes you played. My life has been and continues to be a series of more and more awe-inspiring experiences found in the ordinary. And here is where you cue that song, "Ordinary Miracle" by Sarah McLachlan and the image is somewhat complete.

I propose to toast to true beauty, goodness, and enlightening art often with the cup of life I've been given. One way I'm hoping to do so is by initiating inside of Project Pulchra a series called "Moments of Beauty" (cough, through art in its many forms).

What is this all about, and how does it work?

I'll direct a question at you. What works of art have inspired you on your Catholic/Christian journey (secular and religious)? Who have been your inspirations and mentors? How have their creations moved you and challenged your thinking? Have you seen/heard/read/watched something recently which you want to make others aware of for the purpose of discussion? This is what "Moments of Beauty" will be about.

What I used to do before the days of this blog is occasionally send emails to a dear friend with a new song I heard, or a clip from a video, or a quote for pondering. All of these had in some way inspired me in my faith journey or were for sheer ridiculous amusement.

If some work of art strikes, jars, moves, capitulates your sentiments, makes you uberly explode with joy, makes you question, brings healing, helps you be more at peace- etc, etc, please do this blog a favour and share it!

Now in point form for people who need a black and white format:

1. Title your post "Moment of Beauty: (and then insert some title here which has to do with what you want to say, without the brackets)". Wow, that was overly specific.
2. Tell the story of your moment of beauty. Include insights you gained and any online links with which others can experience what you have.
3. If you want to discuss upon a moment of beauty, then comment away!

Let's thank the Lord for the awesomeness of being alive and being human. Let's delight in and share with one another His creative work through ourselves and others, whether the authors knowingly gave Him glory, or unknowingly did so.

**Note: Moments of Beauty can also include things you've been inspired to write, compose, create. As long as they've lead you closer to the well-spring of your creativity. Also known as the Holy Spirit.

Welcome to a Catholic/Christian version of Art Appreciation.