Inside out – the real look within

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Every few years a new trend comes upon us in fashion and in physical appearances. We went through the skinny years with twiggy and yet the trend now is to have a size F breasts, a 24-inch waist and 34-inch hips (slight exaggeration). Our stomachs have to be flat and taunt, our skin tan and tight, our teeth dazzling white and flawless, our hair soft and silky, our eye color can change with contacts and our nose can be altered surgically to be small and cute.

          In retaliation for the dental, facial, surgical procedures we go through to become the goddess of love for our men – we expect they in turn hit the repair shop themselves. Our men are expected to be trim and tight, buns that are cute and round, a six-pack stomach, and nice muscular tan legs. We expect hair full and styled, their teeth must be perfect and white, and they must remove hair from their back, ears, and noses. The men that get the perfect woman must become the perfect men.

          Although I live in Florida, I have yet to see a fountain restore youth. Whenever we reach a certain age, fat begins to bulge in certain places, hair grows where it never did before and we start to have pain in areas that never hurt. The men as well as the women lose their waists, their skins sags and eyesight fails. Most women look like they have lain out during a hailstorm as the dents and dings of cellulite starts make its debut. Men begin to have “boobs”.

          In the haste to create the perfect body to attract the perfect mate, we have by passed the most important feature needed to live a happy and fulfilling life. The spirit has been neglected. The body is just a vessel for our spirit to live in within this plane. Whenever we give credence to the search for physical perfection in our mate and in ourselves, we can shortchange the entire reason for our being. We are spiritual energies on this plane and are back to accomplish different tasks of spiritual improvements as well as earthly advancements in value. The goal to perfection should include spirit as well.

          I am not insinuating that a perfect body does not house a good spirit. I am stating that if you turn away a spirit because their body is less than perfect, you really have shortchanged yourself as well as that spirit. I believe I can guarantee that this was not the intention of the Great Spirit when he created us. Sometimes a spirit adapts to not having a beautiful body and in it’s place works on their inner beauty.

So many people go through mid-life crisis because they have begun to show their age or begin to feel worthless because they have a few extra pounds. This breaks my heart. People that are critical of others bodies are being shallow and should look at their selves in the mirror. I myself stay on a constant diet trying to look nice and feel better. There is a line with me whenever I feel better as well as look neater. However, at times I need to practice what spirit teaches instead of just preaching it.

There is nothing wrong with improving your physical looks as long as you remember the most important task is the one for inner beauty. I told a friend of mine, who passed over many spiritually good women to find the perfect physique “look for the person inside, then if she is interested in the great make over – BONUS! However, remember that this is her choice and it should be your money. She may definitely want a tune up on you as well!”  The day that physical beauty is more important to you than inner beauty, will be the day you should be perfect on the outside as well.

The spirit within is the true beauty of a person, the physical vehicle that carries it is like the car you drive. A man looking for a woman with a great body is like a woman looking for a man with a great car. Six of one equals a half-dozen of the other because are looking for superficial fulfillment. Both take a lot of money and are shallow searches.

          Understand that I am not trying to guide you away from plastic surgery, diets, or self-improvements. I believe all have to be completed for the right reasons and with the appropriate frame of mind. If you have surgery or diet to impress someone else, you have done it for the wrong reason. Just as you have up keep on your car, your body can be pampered the same way. You should only go under the knife if you feel good about yourself inside and want your outer body to match. It shouldn’t be untaken in order to make yourself feel better about who you are or for gaining the acceptance of others. It is merely like buying new clothes, you help dress up the outer appearance.

In the closing of this chapter, I would remind you of the Venus flytrap that attracts its prey with beauty. The point is, not all that is beautiful and attractive on the outside is sweet and loving on the inside. It is truly, what is on the inside that counts. If your search for a mate is shallow enough to make beauty and physical perfection important than be willing to accept beauty alone and don’t expect to find a kind heart to accept your superficial needs. You will more than likely not find a loving person who will be tolerate of your flawed character.

Beware so long as you live, of judging people by appearances.

La Fontaine

Do not judge men by mere appearances; for the light laughter that bubbles on the lip often mantles over the depths of sadness, and the serious look may be the sober veil that covers a divine peace and joy.

E. H. Chapin

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