We respond with joy to the call of beauty because in an instant it can awaken under the layers of the heart a forgotten brightness. Plato said: 'Beauty was ours in all its brightness...Whole were we who celebrated that festival' {Phaedrus}.
In "Beauty: The Invisible Embrace," John O'Donohue explores the profound impact of beauty on our emotions and soul. He suggests that when we encounter beauty, it can swiftly revive hidden joy within us, illuminating parts of our hearts that may have been neglected over time. This experience of beauty acts as a catalyst for awakening our inner brightness, leading us to a sense of connection with ourselves and the world around us.
Referencing Plato's idea that beauty once belonged to us in its full glory, O'Donohue invites us to recognize the celebration of beauty as an essential aspect of our existence. It is a reminder that encountering beauty is not just a momentary experience; it holds the power to transform and enrich our lives, bringing us back to a place of wholeness. Through this lens, beauty becomes a pathway to rediscovering the fullness of life that we all once celebrated.
