Finding the ideal love is like trying to find a perfectly symmetrical stone on the beach. It’s not easy. Even with so many possibilities, the task is more difficult than one would imagine. And the longer you look, the slimmer the odds of finding that perfect specimen may seem. Though some might appear somewhat perfect at a distance, upon closer inspection, it soon becomes apparent that they are not quite so.
That’s not to say that it’s downright impossible to find perfect specimens. They are indeed out there, but be forewarned that many years may pass between one discovery and the next.
Whether or not we realize it, we also search for physical symmetry in other human beings. Characteristic of good genes and general good health in nature, perfect symmetry in a mate would likely increase one’s chances of creating healthy offspring. No wonder we’re so drawn to people with beautifully symmetrical faces.
And yet, there is a certain charm and character attributable to the not-so-symmetrical. With perhaps an even stronger magnetism, especially where romantic love is concerned, we are drawn towards the imperfect. Why? One theory suggests that while our minds are pleasantly calmed by symmetry, they also quickly become bored with it. Intrigued by complexity, when faced with marginally flawed symmetry, our minds are perked and subconsciously go to work to try and figure out what’s causing the disparity.
Although the human body is symmetrical in so many ways, the shape of the human heart is not. Could that be a clue that perfection in matters of the heart was created to be elusive? If we are to achieve any semblance of perfection in love, like the rare round stones found sometimes on the beach, it’s only due to years of surviving the pounding waves and stormy seas. Now there’s something to ponder as we approach Valentine’s Day.
Text and images copyright Amy-Lynn Bell 2012
Just don’t know what to say
Amazing comparison between stone and people’s heart.
Hi Nadezhda, glad you enjoyed the comparison
Dear Ms. Flandrumhill, Once again you have written a most beautiful blog comparing love and nature. What lessons nature can teach us! I truly loved the stone photos and now want the snow to melt to examine their precious little rock-hearts once again. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thank you Kathy. Those rock hearts are quite the little treasures. Happy Valentine’s Day to you too
I tell you, walking along the shore looking for the perfect stone is exacting work. Then, just as you spot one you think might be Perfection, along comes a big wave and knocks you off your feet, while the stone rolls all the way back into the lake. Then you start all over again. One day you put on an old jacket and tuck your little camera in the pocket. Wait, wait – what’s that? Perfection. Lumpy, asymmetrical perfection, to be sure, but the exact stone you’ve been looking for all this time. How did it get in your pocket? Mama Nature refuses to tell. But isn’t it nice that it’s there!
Gerry, it is exacting work indeed but so much fun. So many stones. So little time. And such a joy to magically find in one’s pockets. Sure beats pocket lint
Lovely comparison, Amy-Lynn.
Have a lovely Valentine’s Day with your sweetie.
Merci toi
Enjoyed reading your post. I’ve never seen a rocky beach like this. Did it occur naturally?
Thanks pattisj. Yes it’s a natural beach in Cow Bay Nova Scotia.
That was so insightful – “If we are to achieve any semblance of perfection in love, like the rare round stones found sometimes on the beach, it’s only due to years of surviving the pounding waves and stormy seas.”
Very wise words today, Amy-Lynn.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your beloved!
Thank you Reggie. Happy Valentine’s Day wishes are sent across the ocean to you and yours too
Thanks, Amy. Hugs back across the ocean!
So true; nothing is born into perfection or symmetry; those things – should they even be desired – only come after years of storms and difficulty.
Aubrey, thankfully the imperfect and the incomplete have an appeal all their own.
loved this post
I’m glad you enjoyed it Patricia
This is superb
And I agree that we get bored with symmetry quite fast and asymmetry intrigues us 
Loved those heart shaped stones
Thanks Sakhi. I love those heart shaped stones too. They’re placed on the steps next to my front door waiting for visitors to ‘discover’ them.
Love those stones Amy-Lynn. I made a heart shaped peanut butter sandwhich for my turtle-dove on Valentine’s day…………well, I don’t live near the beach, what else could I do??? He ate it lovingly, and I ate the crusts. Love it sweet! xxx
Lynne, love finds a way, doesn’t it? We enjoyed a special meal of fish and chips on Valentine’s Day. Although Classic Fish and Chips in Cole Harbour had two heart-shaped potatoes on display that day, neither the fish nor our chips were heart-shaped, but were still quite wonderful
[...] Love, Stones and Symmetry by Flandrum Hill (not specifically SPP related, but inspired by the ‘romance’ idea). [...]
[...] when you’re walking on the beach, are your eyes scanning the shore for a special shell, a heart shaped stone or a bottle with a message in it, or are you gazing at the horizon [...]