Most women have wanted to be beautiful at some time or another, and all humans are drawn to faces that are deemed beautiful. But why do we strive so hard to be beautiful? And might there be a simple way to achieve enduring beauty?
A Brief History of Beauty
Women have suffered for beauty in even the most progressive of cultures. Ancient Egyptian men and women viewed exaggerated cat-eyes as seductive and graceful, so they adorned their eyes with eyeliner which, for many decades, was made from copper. This of course led to eye infections, and has arguably been stated as the cause of mental illness and even death. The Victorian Era was a time in which elegant was en vogue; yet the "elegant" dresses that appear so beautiful to the uninformed eye were complemented with corsets and bodices that caused more than one woman to pass out from lack of oxygen. In China, until as recently as 1912, young girls had their soft feet bound so tightly that their bones were crushed, manipulated, and altered forever, ultimately rendering the grown woman unable to balance or walk freely. Yes, this was considered dainty and beautiful.
Beauty Today
In 21st century America, women continue to suffer for beauty. The media tells American women (and as Asia becomes westernized, it tells Asian women as well...) that they must be rail thin, Caucasian, young, and pouty. Women take dangerous diet pills, participate in drastic crash diets, binge and purge, bleach their skin, straighten their hair, inject poisons into their face, and alter their bodies- all in the name of
beauty. In this way, America today is no more advanced than world cultures past.
Redefining Beauty
But who has defined beauty for women? Boyfriends, husbands, mothers, classmates, friends, the media... the list is endless. When will individual women start defining beauty for themselves? For how many centuries will women suffer to be beautiful in someone else's eyes? And how many generations of women will face their reflection with criticism, disdain, and even self-loathing? Ask most Americans to define this time in history, and many would agree, this is an era of change. Perhaps it is time that women embrace this time of change by defining beauty for themselves rather than continuing to succumb to the world's idea of beauty.
Achieving Beauty
Achieving beauty is easier than one may think. While most humans are initially drawn to faces that are symmetrical, healthy, and youthful, sustained attraction is reserved for those who exude spiritual (i.e. "inner") beauty. So it makes sense then that for a woman to achieve real lasting beauty, she must look within and beautify her mind and soul first.
When a woman holds her head up high, even when the world around her is passing judgment, she is beautiful. When a woman takes the time to behold and appreciate her curves, she is beautiful. When a woman looks at her reflection in the mirror and focuses on what is unique and right, rather on all that brings her shame, she is beautiful. When a woman feels empathetic joy for a friend's accomplishments, she is beautiful. When a woman strives to be strong in body and mind, she is beautiful. When a woman gives love to her children, runs the errands, does the laundry, and feeds her family with grace, she is beautiful. When a woman takes pride in what she does for a living, whether she mops floors, raises children, or practices law, she is beautiful. When a woman takes time to be alone and go within, to feel who she really is, she is beautiful, and that is beauty that truly radiates.
