Seeing beyond the surface: A lesson in depth and beauty
In yesterday’s class, I gave students a simple yet thought-provoking task:
- Go out into the University community and find something visual that catches your eye—it could be as simple as a color.
- Find a piece of writing or a phrase, such as an EXIT sign or a line from a poster.
When the students returned, one group shared a phrase they’d found on a flyer: “Seeing beyond the surface.”
Well done. That phrase doesn’t just reflect their assignment; it captures the heart of the class itself. We’re here to see beyond the surface.
The Power of How We See
The Irish poet and philosopher John O’Donohue once wrote:
“So much depends on how we look at things. The quality of our looking determines what we come to see.”
This sentiment lies at the core of creative exploration. It’s not just about what we’re looking at but how we look. In my own classes, I often say, “Beauty is the depth at which we see something.” When we truly see something—or someone—with depth, we see its beauty.
This kind of seeing requires us to go beyond the surface, beyond first impressions or superficial appearances. It invites us to engage with the essence of what’s in front of us.
The Meaning of Life Is to See
Dajian Huineng, the founder of the Southern Chan school of Buddhism, said it simply:
“The meaning of life is to see.”
When we see deeply, we connect with the world and others in ways that transcend words or explanations. It’s a form of mindfulness, of being fully present and attuned to the richness of life.
A Call to See Deeply
So, here’s an invitation: Look around you today. What catches your eye? What phrase or image draws you in? Let it guide you to see beyond the surface, to engage with the depth and beauty that’s waiting to be noticed.
As John O’Donohue reminds us, how we look shapes what we see. May we all see with great depth today—and in doing so, find the beauty that’s always been there.
