Positive psychology, a field dedicated to understanding human well-being and flourishing, explores a wide range of character strengths that contribute to a fulfilling life. One such strength is “Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence.” This strength goes beyond aesthetic appreciation; it involves recognising and valuing the beauty in both the external world and human endeavours. In this blog post, we will delve into the science behind the VIA strengths of Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, exploring its significance, benefits, and practical applications.
What is Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence?
The ability to find and acknowledge beauty in various aspects of life. This strength encompasses an individual’s capacity to see and savour the beauty in nature, art, music, and even everyday experiences. It also involves recognizing and valuing excellence in different domains, such as sports, academics, or craftsmanship.
The Science Behind Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence:
1. Enhanced Well-being: Research has shown that individuals who possess a strong Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence tend to experience higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction. They often report feeling more positive emotions and a deeper sense of meaning in their lives. (Citing Source: Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification.)
2. Reduced Stress: Practicing mindfulness and consciously appreciating beauty can reduce stress levels. Engaging with beautiful or excellent aspects of life can trigger a relaxation response and decrease cortisol, a stress hormone. (Citing Source: Han, K. H., Kim, Y. J., & Kim, M. (2019). The effects of a program for enhancing the appreciation of beauty and excellence on the levels of stress and quality of life of college students.)
3. Positive Relationships: Individuals with a strong appreciation for beauty and excellence often have more positive social interactions. They can inspire and uplift others by sharing their enthusiasm for the beauty they perceive. (Citing Source: Biswas-Diener, R., & Kashdan, T. B. (2009). Via strengths of gratitude and the appreciation of beauty: Linkages to subjective well-being.)
The Shadow Side of Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence
While Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence is a valuable strength, like any other, it can have a shadow side. In some cases, individuals with this strength may become overly focused on aesthetics or perfection, which can lead to:
Common Strength Pairings
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence often couples with other strengths, enhancing its positive impact:
Strengths as Core to a Team
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence often couples with other strengths, enhancing its positive impact:
Which Virtue does it fall under?
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence falls under the broader virtue of “Transcendence” in the VIA Classification of Strengths and Virtues. Transcendence encompasses strengths that involve connecting to something larger than oneself and experiencing a sense of elevation and awe. Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence fits within this virtue because it involves transcending the ordinary and appreciating the beauty, wonder, and excellence in the world around us. Here’s why it fits under Transcendence:
- Connection to the Larger World:โฏ Individuals with this strength often feel a deep connection to the world and its beauty. They are moved by the magnificence of nature, art, and human achievements, transcending the everyday and experiencing a sense of wonder.ย
- ย Elevation and Awe:โฏ Experiencing beauty and excellence can evoke feelings of elevation and awe. This is a hallmark of Transcendence, where individuals are lifted beyond their immediate concerns and experience a sense of the sublime.
- Connection to Positive Emotions:ย Appreciating beauty and excellence is closely linked to positive emotions like joy, inspiration, and gratitude, which are associated with Transcendence.ย
In summary, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence falls under the virtue of Transcendence because it involves a deep connection to the world, the experience of elevation and awe, and a connection to positive emotions that go beyond the ordinary aspects of life.ย
Boosting Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence
To enhance the VIA character strength of Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, consider the following strategies:
- Mindful Awareness:โฏPractice mindfulness to become more present in your daily life. Take time to notice and savour the beauty in your surroundings, whether it’s the colours of a sunset, the intricate design of a flower, or the skilful craftsmanship of everyday objects.ย
- Cultivate Gratitude:โฏDevelop a gratitude journal where you regularly write down moments of beauty and excellence you’ve encountered. This can help you become more attuned to these experiences.ย
- Explore the Arts:โฏEngage with the arts, such as visiting museums, attending concerts, or participating in creative activities like painting, photography, or music. Immersing yourself in artistic experiences can deepen your appreciation.ย
- Nature Connection:โฏSpend time in nature and explore its beauty. Whether it’s a hike in the woods, a walk on the beach, or simply sitting in a park, nature offers abundant opportunities to appreciate beauty and excellence.ย
- Share Your Observations:โฏShare your observations of beauty and excellence with others. Expressing your appreciation can enhance your own experience and inspire others to notice and appreciate more.ย
Addressing Potential Clashes with Other Strengths:ย
While Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence is a valuable strength, it can sometimes clash with other strengths or be overshadowed. For example:ย
- Perfectionism:โฏIf paired with a strong sense of perfectionism, it may lead to unrealistic expectations of what is beautiful or excellent. To optimize this, practice acceptance and recognize the inherent imperfections in life.ย
- Practicality:โฏIn some situations, a strong practical orientation may overshadow the desire for beauty or excellence. To balance this, look for opportunities to infuse practical tasks with elements of beauty, such as well-designed workspaces or aesthetically pleasing organization methods.ย
- Appreciation of Gratitude:โฏWhile gratitude and appreciation of beauty often go hand in hand, a strong focus on gratitude alone might overshadow appreciation for the aesthetic. To optimize this, aim to strike a balance by actively seeking out and appreciating beauty in your daily life.ย
In essence, finding balance and synergy among your strengths is key. Recognize when to emphasize Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence and when to harmonize it with other strengths to create a well-rounded and effective approach to life and work.ย
In our extensive experience working with teams across various industries, we have consistently observed Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence emerging as a signature strength. This unique strength often becomes a cornerstone of individual and team success.ย
Three examples include >
Conclusion:ย
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence is not just about aesthetics; it’s a fundamental strength that contributes to our well-being and our ability to connect with the world around us. By practising mindfulness and consciously seeking out beauty and excellence, we can enhance our mental and emotional health while fostering positive relationships with others. As the science of positive psychology continues to evolve, this strength remains a vital component of human flourishing. Embrace it, and you’ll find greater joy and fulfilment in your daily life.
