Awesome Beauty & Alignment

I spent a wonderful weekend in Barcelona recently. It was there with my four sisters. There was so much that was great about the trip. Little incidentals and epic emotive moments.

Our basic hostel was clean and functional. Our experience of staying there was very special. We were in a room with five beds and we couldn’t recall the last time all five of us had shared the same bedroom. What fun sharing tales and experiences and a glass or two into the night …

And the days … what a contrast between our hostel room and other magnificent and opulent rooms and buildings around Barcelona. The stand out visit must be our time spend at the Sagrada Familia Basilica.

For anyone who hasn’t visited it – or has not visited it in the last decade – I suggest it is one to add to your wish list.

This may be the world’s most famous ‘work in progress’ – a Roman Catholic Basilica designed by architect Antoni Gaudi and now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I could use so many superlatives to try to express my experience of its visual impact both inside and out – amazing, stunning, magnificent, awesome, magical, phenomenal – and it is still developing – just like each and everyone of us .

After my initial visual intake … I paused – I noticed I had tears in my eyes as I connected with the light streaming through the stained-glass windows and reflected on the elegant white tree like elaborations that rose high into the roof. As I paused – I noticed my heart filling my chest and a sense of fulfilment – I was absorbed in the beauty and truly  ‘in the moment’.

Time stood still – if I hadn’t paused it would have been easy to excitedly rush through … but the majesty of the architecture invited me to calm, respect and enjoy.

There is what appears to be symbiotic balance of complexity. The whole thing works so well together yet each shape, each element has its own form and purpose and tells its own story.

Spires, arches, curves, light – essentially none of the interior surfaces are flat; the ornamentation is rich, consisting in large part of abstract shapes which combine smooth curves and jagged points. For me it blends traditional gothic with clean modern shapes. Every way you turn there is elaborate details such as the iron railings for balconies and stairways that are full of curvaceous elaboration.

My Basilica experience has reminded me of how complexity does not have to be chaotic. Gaudi had a clear purpose for this church in the glorification of God. He knew what was important to him about this building. This determined his design ideas that others who are completing the building process continue to be guided by. The fact that the building has involved so many people across the ages in its development physically and financially is also special. Somehow everything aligns ensuring the sum is greater than all the parts.

For me, this is a lovely metaphor for an aligned life – body, mind and spirit with connections with others. Being clear on your purpose and knowing what’s important to you … can help you achieve the magnificent life you want and deserve more easily …