Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

A few years ago, I took a trip to Ireland.  It was my first time there, as well as my first time out of the country. Up until that point, I had not figured out a way to afford myself the opportunity to see the world. This was my very first step towards achieving that goal.  Although there's a strong possibility I may not see the entire world, I do dream of traveling to many spectacular destinations and soaking in the essence of their beauty.
 This having been my first trip to another country, I was in awe.  I could feel the energy of the land and the people who lived there, past and present. I was told before I arrived, how much I would enjoy the Irish, and indeed I did.  They were as warm and as kind as I had been lead to believe, not as guarded as one might expect others to be.  Almost as if  "strangers" did not exist.
As I traveled across the countryside I saw beauty everywhere.  It was wonderful to drive along the winding roads and explore the many sights. I had the freedom to stop along the roadside and document with my camera what my eye was observing.  I really wanted to just breathe and stay completely present but I knew this was a special moment in time for me.  A time that I would most definitely want to preserve, so I could share, look back on, and cherish with others.
As I was preparing to leave for Ireland, a well intended friend suggested that I skip my visit to the city of Dublin. The essence of  this friend's message was, it's just a city like any other, not much different from New York and that there were so many other beautiful sights to see. I took in this idea, allowing my mind to process what was said. But something deep inside of me, (that voice that knows better, and by "better" I mean that voice that knows You), said...no, do not skip Dublin!  I am so grateful I listened to that Voice, my Higher Self, the one who knows me better than anyone. Dublin was one of my most favorite places.  It was where I saw beauty beyond what the eye can see.  I saw the beauty that is seen with the heart.
 I know my eyes are connected to my heart and it is why I tend to cry so easily.  When my heart is feeling deeply, the tears just begin to flow.  I have learned to embrace those tears.  I know there will come a time when my heart will remain open and tears will no longer be required to such a great extent. It is then, that I will be aware of my open heart and truly Love from that deep center of truth. My own truth.

One of the most beautiful sights I observed while in Dublin was an artist who was sharing his process of creation with passers by.  He was set up along a city street just outside the campus of Trinity. Most people were in a hurry and didn't take the time to stop, only a passing glance and maybe a coin tossed in his basket, but I couldn't help but stop. Maybe it was because I was in a new country and completely engaged, or maybe because I too am an artist and  was amazed by the detail of this man's work. But maybe it was because I was so moved by what appeared to be a man living his life by simply doing what he loved and sharing it with others. I think it may have been a combination of all three, but most definitely the last of these three.

 I took the time to introduce myself and connect with this wonderful soul. It was a moment that will live in my heart forever. A moment that allowed me to be filled with the grace of his beauty. I am forever moved and changed by that moment and my time spent in Dublin. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I believe there is, has and always will be extraordinary beauty just waiting to be seen.  We only need choose to see with an open heart.