Tuesday, April 14, 2015

True Beauty


Anticipation fills the room. The barely perceptible dim of background music slowly fades into the buzz of excitement as, one after another, the guests arrive. Attractive dresses and high heel shoes. Multi-colored ties and sleek jackets. Hair curled or coiffed just so. Foundation, eyeliner, lipstick highlighting facial features. Fragrant aromas permeate the air. The event is one celebrating fathers and daughters, and - maybe for the first time – blossoming flowers are accentuated.

Beauty is present.

As the festivities begin, dinner is served. Pleasantries pass between tablemates. Etiquette and decorum are practiced. The buzz quiets as appetites are quenched. The evening moves along, mixing themes of fun and sober subject matter - allowing for free movement between play and responsibility.

The anxiety that flows from comparison and judgment starts to wane. The young women, with the cares of this world not yet so heavy on their shoulders,  move away from constraint and expectation towards the inner voice inside representing who they really are. It is infectious, and the fathers can’t help but follow suit. Small, tender gestures are observed. Faces light up. Laughter emanates. Authentic interaction and connection is made. Hands are touched, as well as hearts.

True Beauty opens its petals.

To all of us with daughters, and wives, and mothers and sisters - all women who we know and love – is it time to ponder which concept of beauty we subscribe to? Which one do we give our time and hearts to? This world and culture pushes with great force and momentum a concept of beauty that sets a standard all the women we love try desperately and obsessively to meet. It is an unfair burden they carry and brings so much unneeded anxiety and worry into their lives.

Today can we take some time and think of how we can recognize and celebrate True Beauty?

The video below is 3 minutes long and worthy of your time...please share it with all the women in your life, young and old...

No comments: