If we don’t look at everything as a miracle, how will we ever realize the true beauty of the world?
When it comes to the Earth, I am very passionate about protecting it. After all, it is going to be our home, our children’s home, our children’s children’s home, etc…for the next who-knows-how-many-years, and I want it to be as beautiful as it can possibly be. But loving the Earth doesn’t just mean recycling, car-pooling, and abstaining from using aerosol hairspray. It also means just simply appreciating it, and noticing all of the beauty that it has to offer. And when I say noticing – I mean simply that. You can marvel at a field of sunflowers without picking one and disturbing its life cycle, you can stand in awe as a white tail deer grazes in the woods behind your home without ending its life for sport, and you can count the vibrant spots of a leopard without using them as a winter coat! That being said, it is important to see that we do not have to travel to exotic lands to find beautiful, photo-worthy subjects in nature. They exist in our own backyard – or on our very own campuses – all you have to do is expand your definition of “beauty,” and you will begin to see it everywhere. For example, beauty can be seen all throughout IUP with the help of its beautiful flowers.
Flowers are the greatest reminders of how miraculous Earth really is. They represent new life, their colors are unprecedented. I think that no landscape can be considered ordinary when flowers are present.
Nothing can brighten a day more so than the sight of a sunflower.
Flowers are also a language – each one symbolizes an emotion, meaning that sending a specific type to somebody can send an important message. Gerber daisies (above) symbolize innocence and cheerfulness – how can somebody not smile after looking at these beauties?
Open up, it is a new opportunity for growth.
Marigolds (above) symbolize passion and creativity. Seeing one could mean a successful creative endeavour is in your future!
But one doesn’t have to see the real thing to appreciate the beauty of flowers. A little drawing of one can be just as uplifting!
So whether you are in the country, the suburbs, or the heart of a city, just remember that the Earth has beauty for those who are willing to find – and appreciate – it! Be kind to this magnificent planet, and it will be kind back!