To behold something (or someone) is to perceive through sight or apprehension. This very act is to actually look intently and to focus, then be changed in, throughout, and even beyond the experience. Creating this experience is a choice. Sometimes we are forced into a state being still due to circumstances while otherwise, we discipline ourselves to the choice. Regardless, the beholder can choose in spite of circumstances or their perception of reality (or the 3D natural realm reality) in order to gain access and transition deeper into 5D reality (the spirit realm) through the awe of the beholding. Although beauty is subjective, and many of us are familiar with the quote “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, the art of obtaining the effects of beholding is what I speak now. A great mystic, Meister Eckhart wrote the comment, “The highest attainment in this life is to remain still and let God act and speak in us.”
To gaze upon or to observe can in the action of intransitive or imperative bring a state of wonder. We also understand this state of being is today’s culture when someone says the phrase, “it was a great sight to behold.” This state of wonder is what the ancient Christians called, a state of bliss. It is a state of pleasure, contentment, comfort, and safety. Bliss is a state of love. The more we behold the more we transform. Much like what happens to us when we behold the beauty of the sunrise or sunset.
The ancient texts in the bible speak of this “beholding” experience using words that are a call to action. In other words, scriptures will start with Behold! This is alluding to instructing us to look at something urgently or suddenly. It’s stressing the importance of what we will miss if we choose not to behold. It is a call to us that something should definitely not be neglected, so the urgency and value of importance are used with an exclamation point or with the emphasis to look (and not missing practicing looking). You may have also heard words before that compare beholding to these: regard, view, watch, and discern. To behold, will especially call our attention to what follows from the experience of beholding, or of newness that is being brought forth. More times than not, it is a newness that is unexpected, thus the urgency for us to pay attention. Newness can arrive when we least expect it, but holds within it the beauty of life and joy if we can perceive it.
Perceiving and understanding are different. We may perceive but not understand. We may have a sense of understanding and yet not perceive something new. I have discovered that perceiving and understanding can be cultivated and enjoyed in exploration. One essential key to doing this is stopping, watching, and waiting, and expecting the awe of new to come. The art of beholding is peaceful, beautiful, healing, and transforming. Take time today, to BEHOLD!…watch, then see and know the new.
