We perceive the world around us depending on the state of our mind. Here are a few ways helpful to improve our awareness of the goodness of people around us.
If we are in a pleasant mindset we feel like enjoying the sights around us. The little games of our children and the leaves falling from the tree in the yard can appear to be beautiful. However, if we are in a different mindset, we may feel that the fallen leaves in the yard are cluttering the porch and the children’s games are extremely annoying. We may not always be enjoying everything and find beauty in everything. But being appreciative of the goodness and beauty in the people around us will make our lives more lovely.
Beauty and goodness are everywhere and in everyone. When you succeed in identifying the beauty and bringing it to the forefront of your mind, it will transform your day, your mood, and your experience of life. By looking for and affirming the good in our children, we can strengthen our relationship with them. It helps to change their behaviour for the better. By celebrating the beauty in our friends, neighbours, acquaintances, and strangers, we will be enlightening our whole lives.
Strive to appreciate the goodness in those around you. Listen to and support your parish priest when he tries to do something good for the parish.
Get acquainted with a parishioner you’ve never met before. Thank the altar servers, preachers, musicians or priests after Mass. Volunteer to help out at a parish event and introduce yourself to people you’ve never met before.
When you talk to someone you’ve just met, you can learn about the beauty they see by asking questions as you get to know them: What are the best things about this city? What are the things you love about your job? About your husband/children? About the movie we just watched? When we ask such questions, they will reach out to our hearts through their words and bring more goodness to our lives.
Start the habit of sharing your favourite part of your day with the loved ones in your life and listening to them. When you see people you like, appreciate them for a particular activity or quality. Write a thank you note to a friend remembering a time when you especially enjoyed their friendship.
The moments you notice the goodness and beauty can be transformed into moments of prayer. It is essential to thank God, the source of every goodness and beauty. Often, God speaks to us through the goodness in others; hence, the more we are aware of the goodness/beauty, the more we will listen to His voice.