The world was so unbearably pretty, and it continued being so all the way down the mountain to school. I felt slightly high because of the beauty, and the inside of my head tickled. I wondered if this is how artists go through life, with all of its sensations tickling their craniums like a peacock feather.
This passage captures a profound sense of wonder and heightened perception that often accompanies moments of acute aesthetic appreciation. The narrator describes the world as 'unbearably pretty,' suggesting that the beauty is so intense it almost becomes overwhelming, yet exhilarating. As they descend the mountain toward school, their emotional response remains vigorous, illustrating how beauty can pervade everyday experiences. The sensation of feeling 'slightly high' signifies a mild euphoria, a state of being elevated by the awe-inspiring environment. This sensation extends inward, with their mind 'tickled,' evoking a delicate, almost playful sense of stimulation. The metaphor comparing these sensations to the experience of artists—whose lives are often permeated by constant sensory input and emotional intensity—offers insight into a way of engaging with the world that is not merely observational but deeply feeling. It highlights the connection between external beauty and internal experience, suggesting that, for some, life's vibrancy is a source of inspiration and vitality. Such a perspective encourages us to notice the subtleties of our surroundings—the gentle flutterings, the shimmering light—and to embrace those moments as vital experiences that enrich our understanding of reality. The writing invites us to consider how heightened awareness of beauty can influence our emotional states and perhaps elevate everyday life into something extraordinary, much like the artistic process itself.
