by Susan Haley Would you consider contributing an article on Beauty for my Newsletter? When presented with this invitation by my dear friend Lois Stern, I was taken aback just a little. I wondered what I, a poet and weaver of words more philosophical, could possibly offer that would rest among the more clinical thrust of this highly credible and professionally done journal. A multitude of perceptions are imparted by this simple word beauty; a word tossed around these days in a vast array of application, a word wrangled by poets and philosophers for eons. A descriptive noun, initially alluding to the finer attributes of appearance, it is now a label attached to entire industries. It has become a course of study, a daily regimen, a specialty in healthcare with taproots into psychology. Whole careers, their prerequisites, their success or failure, can be determined by it. The quest for beauty is a driving force in consumerism and it’s used to sell a plethora of products ranging from cosmetics to cars. An indeterminable number of books, magazines, and publications address this phenomenon. The source of beauty and its significance on the personal level often becomes the core of debate. Is beauty an essence found within, a physical feature that embellishes the without? Is it determined only in the eye of the be- holder? Or, is it really outside of us altogether, ‘out there somewhere’ in a field of wildflowers or a thing majestic? Can beauty even be fully defined? Should defining it even be necessary? As it seems to have become such a driving force, an affectation, in our culture, I’d say yes, the attempt should be made so I’ll give it a go. To me, beauty is an assemblage of grace. I envision it more an essence traveling a circular pattern from within, to without, to ‘out there somewhere’ and back again. Fragments of parts that combine to make the whole. To illustrate the concept, allow me to use that which seems to get the most attention, our face. Facial beauty can be enhanced, nurtured, and, yes, molded, too. Though we’re born with certain features, proper diet, skin care, hair- style, managed exposure to the elements, natural oils and herbs, cosmetics and cosmetic procedures all can en- hance and nurture that face. But adorn that face with a smile, a kind thought sparkling from eye, an appreciation for the wildflowers in heart, and ‘full’ beauty blossoms. You, the whole, become beauty’s multi-faceted essence. Beauty is nurtured by attitude, as well. It’s developing a sense of self-esteem and confidence and conveyed in the courage of convictions. It’s the bravery of walking tall, back straight, head held high, coupled with the humility to bend to a knee and wipe a tear from a child’s cheek or say you’re sorry for a misdeed. It’s a sense of humor and theability to laugh at one’s self, and the sincerity to take serious the plight of one less fortunate. It’s the compassion to forgive a shortcoming, but the justice to adhere to standards of fairness and morality. It's It’s taking responsibility while shunning arrogance. Beauty is a sense of style free of haughtiness, and good taste without losing an appreciation for simplicity. It’s a generosity void of need for acknowledgment. These are the attitudes, the ‘mind’ of beauty. But what of that higher place within us, the ‘spirituality’ of beauty, that field of wildflowers ‘out there somewhere’? This is the essence of beauty that we get by accepting our own Divinity, that part of us that goes beyond ourselves into the ‘whole’ of things. It’s the appreciation of what you truly are and that you play a part, but only a part, in the bigger scheme of things. It’s your gift, the stardust in you. And, it’s that essence of beauty that forges your accountability to the Universal Plane in which we all find ourselves. About the author: Susan Haley, a multi-published author sees herself “more in a helpful role” than just that of a fellow writer. She is the Facilitator of the Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Writers Association, and serves as a Columnist for The Florida Writer Magazine. Poetry Editor for The Infinite Writer E-zine, and a regular contributor to the Fox and Quill Newsletter and The Pepper Tree Literary Magazine, she is teammate with Lois Stern on the founding team of “Authors Helping Authors” for Infinity Publishing Authors. Susan is an activist for the Environment and ALL life, and the author and designer of www.sucarha.com , a thought provoking website in its eighth year of existence. Her heartfelt novel of triumph over tragedy, RAINY DAY PEOPLE, and an inspirational book of poetry and essays, FIBERS IN THE WEB are available on Amazon.com and can be ordered through your local bookstore. The audio version of RAINY DAY PEOPLE is available on Amazon and Audible.com. Susan is a widow with two grown sons, and lives and works in Nokomis, Florida. She may be contacted at shaley1112@verizon.net. |