Being present in the presence of beauty, 1800 Rittenhouse Square
Look up… Look around.
See what’s out there. Beauty is everywhere.
I think as a society we tend to focus on keeping our feet on the ground – bills, children, traffic, work, our future. I am a lucky guy. I get to walk through this illustrious city with my head towards the heavens. I don’t take for granted the beauty of this city or my position in it. I have a slight advantage over most because I actually get to see close up and even touch some of the greatest architecture.
And each time it stirs something inside me. Ethereal as this might sound, it shows me just how much incredible energy and talent there is out there in the universe. It’s there from the simplest flowers to the most complicated masonry work.
Philadelphia is full of the most incredible art, architecture, murals, woodwork and ornamentation. I guess what I’m getting at is that it’s inspiring.
It does take time to stop and take it in but I think in the end it’s worth those few moments each day to keep your spirit lifted, your creative juices flowing, your amazement with human talent buoyed.
I look up at this building at 1800 Rittenhouse square and I don’t see the suspended scaffold we provided crews but the talent of skilled artisans and craftsmen beautifying this old structure. And that goes for our crew that delicately installed these swing stages to do a complete window replacement.
I also see the ornamentation around the windows at the top of the building. I see a structure standing at the south side of the square having an upgrade or facelift. I see the decorative stone work and detailed masonry work around the entrance near our canopy (overhead protection) at street level.
Buddhists have a word for what the mind generates in its normal state: dukkha. Hindus call it maya. We call it misery, unsatisfactorines, stress. It’s all around us. Just turn on the news. Everyone is in a hurry, reactionary, filled with their own self perpetuating myths.
I am guilty of this myself as I just try to get through each day. But I think that if you stop to look and even think about the achievements of humanity (they are impressive and immense like this building) then it just might motivate you to improve your current state, you could say, work towards enlightenment.
Think about what it took to build this structure at the turn of the century without the advancements in modern construction. It’s pretty incredible.
So my wish for this new decade is that everyone take a few moments to STOP, BREATHE, LOOK AROUND and revel in and absorb the incredible energy, talent and beauty that IS this city. The stillness will speak to you – if you listen.
Maybe for a moment you will forget about the stress, fear, guilt, shame, or pressure that constantly bombards us and just BE… Feel the energy and enjoy some of the great works of art all around you.
Be present in the presence of beauty.
My wish.
And as always, if you need to get close to or repair some of this incredible art call Bob “The King of Swing” at 215 743-2200 today or visit www.superiorscaffold.com for more info.
And today’s musical number is perfect for this post. Enjoy.
GC: GMI, complete window replacement at this high end condominium.
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