I agree so much about how the beauty in a great work of art "holds the universe." One of the great tasks life is to learn to see and appreciate and express the beauty/truth that is inherent in a sunset, an orchid, you, me, and all things natural. Lucia brings out in us the experience of the essential beauty of the universe; it is the music but so much more. And that beauty is not only in the arts but it is in each of us at our best. Self-actualization is one of the ultimate goals of our lives, and to me that is what self-actualization is — learning to live and appreciate and be a conduit for what is most beautiful and true in humanity, nature and the arts. I think it also ties in with Erickson's stages of development, the highest being Ego Integrity vs. Despair — accepting yourself, seeing/feeling/knowing the beauty and connectedness between yourself and others, the greater universe and experiencing peace and fulfillment.



