Pause and Surrender: Beauty's Invitation to Stillness

Serenity in Solitude, Copyright Petra Roth

Embracing Beauty through Gestalt

After a period of reflection and growth, I am happy to welcome you back into my world as I embark on a new chapter of exploration and discovery. As a second-year student at Gestalt Institute of Scandinavia and on my way to becoming a Gestalt Clinical Psychotherapist, I am deeply immersed in the principles and practices of Gestalt.

I’ve studied many therapy modalities and approaches, but in Gestalt I’ve found my holistic home. As one of my teachers wisely said: "Just as there are countless ways of being a human being, there are equally countless ways of practicing as a Gestalt therapist.” In embracing this philosophy, I give myself permission to authentically embody and discover my unique essence, knowing that this journey is an ongoing exploration with no fixed destination. I invite you to join me as a fellow traveller on the path of self-discovery, embracing the beauty of our shared humanity and the endless possibilities it holds.

The Deeper Meaning of Beauty

I've come to understand beauty as more than just a visual concept — it's a profound way of experiencing the world around us. In addition to aesthetics, beauty is about connection, courage, empathy, authenticity, and deep respect for ourselves and others. I see life’s beauty not merely as aesthetics but as a lens through which I choose to enter and perceive the world.

Rooted in holistic psychology, Gestalt therapy underscores the importance of being present in the here and now. It teaches us to engage fully with our experiences, to explore our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment, and to cultivate a deep awareness of the present moment. In this state of mindful awareness, we can begin to uncover the beauty that surrounds us, both within ourselves, the other and in the world around us. True transformation occurs when we honor and embrace all aspects of ourselves – body, mind, thoughts, emotions, and spirit, and start to accept ourselves as we are.

Floating Lilypads, Copyright Petra Roth

The Dynamic Nature of Beauty

Beauty invites us to surrender to the flow of life, to fully inhabit the present moment, and to connect with our surroundings. In Gestalt, the concept of "figure and ground" refers to the dynamic interplay between what stands out (the figure) and what recedes into the background (the ground) in our perceptual experience. This principle mirrors the dynamic nature of beauty, particularly evident in the ever-changing landscapes of nature.

Imagine standing at the edge of a tranquil lake as the sun begins its descent below the horizon. In this scene, the lake serves as the ground—a vast expanse of still water that stretches out before you, reflecting the ever-changing hues of the sky above. The water's surface acts as a mirror, capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscape and enhancing the overall sense of tranquility.

As the sun dips lower, casting a glow across the horizon, the sky becomes the figure, commanding your attention with its vibrant colors and silhouette. The clouds, illuminated by the fading light, take on a life of their own, dancing across the sky in a display of colour and movement. Against this backdrop, the lake fades into the background, its surface shimmering softly in the fading light.

When the evening progresses, the colours of the sky intensify, transitioning from shades of orange and pink to deep purples and fiery reds. The sun, now a mere sliver on the horizon, casts long shadows across the landscape, casting an ethereal glow over the scene. In this moment, the sky becomes the focal point, its brilliance capturing your gaze and drawing you into its ever-changing display.

Yet, even as the sky steals the show, the lake remains a constant presence, its calm waters serving as a silent witness to the beauty unfolding above. Together, the lake and the sunset create a harmonious composition—a perfect balance of figure and ground—that invites you to pause, reflect, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

Surrendering to what is

Sometimes the act of surrendering to the flow of beauty is effortless. Instead of trying to solve or hurry to the next moment, you find yourself simply being—allowing the beauty of the scene to wash over you and envelop you in its embrace. There's a sense of peace and tranquility that comes from surrendering to the present moment, from letting go of the need to control or manipulate what is unfolding before you.

As you stand at the water's edge, you feel a deep sense of connection to something greater than yourself, a profound recognition of the beauty and majesty of the natural world. In this moment of surrender, you are reminded of the importance of slowing down, of taking the time to pause and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.

The act of surrendering to beauty is not about giving up or relinquishing control; rather, it's about opening yourself up to the possibility of experiencing something truly profound. It's about allowing yourself to be fully present in the moment, to let go of expectations and judgments, and to simply be with what is.

Slowly, when the sun dips below the horizon and darkness descends, gratitude fills your heart. You're thankful for the beauty around you, for the chance to witness such magnificence, and for the reminder that profound experiences often arise from surrendering and being fully present.

In essence, the concept of figure and ground highlights the fluidity of perception and the ever-changing nature of beauty. Just as our sensory experiences blend together to shape our perception of reality into a cohesive whole, so too do the elements of nature seamlessly interact to create moments of breathtaking beauty.

Blue Reflections, Copyright Petra Roth

Cultivating Connection and Growth

As I make the transition from Finnish to English, I hope to create a space where language is no barrier, where we can connect and learn together regardless of our backgrounds. My aim is to foster an environment of mutual respect and appreciation. Through my posts and images, I hope to inspire you to see beauty in new and unexpected places and to embrace the present moment.

When I embark on this journey of sharing and learning, I am reminded of the profound importance of being connected myself. Our inner world serves as the foundation upon which all of our external experiences are built. It is only by nurturing this connection, by delving deep into the depths of our being, that we can truly understand ourselves and our place in the world.

When we are connected to ourselves, when we have a deep and intimate understanding of who we are, what we value, and what brings us joy, we are better equipped to navigate the complexities of life and form authentic relationships with others. Our inner sense of clarity and purpose guides us in our interactions, allowing us to show up fully in our relationships.

Being connected to ourselves also enables us to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment. When we are in tune with our innermost desires and passions, we are better able to make decisions that align with our values and goals, leading to a greater sense of fulfilment and satisfaction in life.

Ultimately, our connection to ourselves is the cornerstone of meaningful relationships. It is the foundation upon which authentic relationships are built, allowing us to show up meaningfully in the world. As I share my experiences and insights with you, I invite you to explore the depths of your own inner world, to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself, and to embrace the beauty of your own unique journey.