The origin of the word behold, whether from the Greek eido (be certain to see) or Old English behealdan (to preserve), describes witnessing significance. Something worthy of noting on the private journey of Self. A condition inviting admiration to emulate without envy.
In my theory of biocognitive science, to behold, encompasses observations worthy of gratitude. Worthy, because they acknowledge human value, and gratitude, for the privilege of witnessing existential elegance. An anthropology of beholding explores the horizons of valuing observations by extracting significance hidden in the mundane. Why hidden? Because potential worthiness is obscured by the world of vulgar eyes. Envy and resentment are the culprits bent on denying self-significance, and minimizing agency in the pursuit of individuation.
By beholding our incessant present, we cultivate gratitude during good fortune, and dignity during adversity. But the shift of consciousness does not transition smoothly because of our insistence to interpret from a place of assumed perfection. Although we must discern value to avoid disappointments, biocognitive beholding recruits curiosity to discover novelty, independent of the judgement. Thus, rather than Pollyanna denial or hypercritical acceptance, existential elegance affords gratitude for discovering novelty in our experiences, and admiration for our choice to transcend the suffering of attachments.
Such is the way of the Drift...
For more comprehensive details read The MindBody Code
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