I tend to move through life in a huge hurry. I’m always rushing out the door on the verge of being late for work and speed-walking to the bus stop. Then, there’s a good chance I’ll spend my time commuting staring at my phone. (I’m trying to break this habit, but unfortunately, it hasn’t happened overnight.)
However, if we actually look up from our screens and take the time to engage with the world around us, we might realize just how much beauty is hiding in the mundane. And if you need inspiration to be on the lookout for gorgeous everyday moments, you’ve come to the right place. Bored Panda has searched the internet and found stunning photos of “accidental art pieces” people have spotted, so you’ll find the loveliest ones below. Enjoy scrolling through this unintentional art gallery, and remember to upvote the photos that speak to you!
Image credits: frituurgarnituur
Image credits: National Museums Scotland
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Art imitates life. And if you look closely enough, art also is life. The photos from this list prove that there can be beauty in the most mundane and random moments if we’re open-minded enough to see it. Haven’t you ever had to take a moment and just stare at the sky in awe after noticing a stunning sunset or amazing rainbow? Or what about a full moon that captivates the attention of everyone out for a stroll on a winter evening?
And if you’re wondering how to start spotting art in your everyday life, Total Balance has some suggestions. First, they recommend slowing down. It’s hard to notice details when you’re constantly rushing all the time. But if you start walking slower on your commute to work, look up from your phone when sitting on the train or stop to have a short conversation with the barista at your favorite coffee shop, you might suddenly become aware of how much beauty surrounds you all the time.
Image credits: mikelgan
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Image credits: InspectorConfident55
It’s also a good idea to be open to new connections with others if you’re looking for more beauty in your life. When we allow our relationships with loved ones to grow deeper or we invite new friendships into our lives, we’ll experience beautiful moments that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.
And don’t be afraid to look for art in the simplest of circumstances. Even the meals you eat can be full of beauty, whether that’s from the fresh, seasonal ingredients that reflect where you are in the world or a specific culture, or the conversations you had with friends and family while enjoying the dinner. A moment doesn’t have to be life-changing to be inspiring.
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In the same vein, even your own body can be a beautiful expression of art. If you’ve been going to the gym a lot recently or running consistently, the progress from all of your hard work can be incredibly rewarding. Regardless of whether or not there’s been a difference in your physical appearance, your health and your mindset can see a massive improvement from taking care of your body. Don’t be afraid to celebrate your accomplishments, even if they seem small.
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And of course, one of the most stunning aspects of our world is nature and how it changes over time. Living in a place that experiences four seasons has been such a blessing to me over the past few years, and I am constantly in awe of how much my neighborhood changes every few months. From being cold, grey and covered in snow to bright green and blooming with about 10 hours of sunlight, it’s really magical to see how vast the changes between seasons are.
Image credits: Bst1337
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Life and business coach David Waweru has also shared some advice on his site for finding beauty in everyday moments. And one of his first tips is to make an effort to be present in all aspects of your life. It’s so easy to go on autopilot or to simply slip into habits, but the best thing we can do to find more beauty in our lives is to stay alert. Take notice of how the birds in the trees are behaving, and don’t ignore that new mural that’s been painted in your neighborhood. You just might appreciate everything you start to see.
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You might also want to channel your inner child and become extremely curious to spot more beauty in your life. Kids look at the world with wonder, but there’s no reason why adults can’t do the same! Engage all of your senses, and take in everything around you. Appreciate the incredible smell that floods your nostrils when you walk past a bakery, and find joy in hearing the giggles of children playing with their parents in the park. Life is beautiful; don’t forget that.
Image credits: Exploding_Testicles
Image credits: TheWittyShad
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Finally, Waweru recommends keeping a journal to make note of all the beautiful things you notice in your life and the world around you. It might be hard to think of many examples at first, but once you build the habit of showing gratitude for the gorgeous flowers outside your office or the adorable cats that love visiting your apartment building, you’ll start to notice even more and more beautiful moments in your life.
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Are you enjoying this “accidental art” gallery, pandas? Keep upvoting the photos that speak to you, and let us know in the comments what you think are some of the most beautiful moments in the mundanity of life. Then, if you’re looking for even more surprisingly artistic photos that people have managed to capture, we’ve got another Bored Panda list on the same topic right here!
Image credits: Riflemaiden1992
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