ABOUT BEAUTY

Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

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I can finally sense that winter is approaching. It is that time of the year when you don't want to do anything because of the late sunrise—influencing you to just stay in bed. Your body is stuck under the heavy gravity of your comforter, making it impossible for you to get up. Maybe that's the reason why we couldn't process our thoughts—because we are not doing anything. But then, should we blame it on the weather?

During this times, I can't help but look in the mirror and notice the flaws I want to get rid of. I am aware that it is okay to want to look decent but there is a thin line between that and being just in vain. Especially if this happens no matter what season it is. Knowing this, how come we still tend to do something we shouldn't? That's probably because the hardest part of learning is application.

The spirit is willing but the body is weak.

King solomon wrote: above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. It is true. I have never met someone who has a fully control of his/her own heart that resulted into something good. Simply because we just can't do it.

We tend to focus on our outward appearance for it still has some value, but we should always keep in mind that the spiritual exercise is more profitable unto all things, for it promises a reward in both this life and next. It is alright if we do not share the same belief. However, I want you to understand the wisdom of this.

We want to look presentable as much as possible not only because we wanted to but because we are also forced to. Our capabilities are judged by first impressions—the way we dress and present ourselves; and there is no turning around that. You have seen many articles regarding "embracing your natural beauty" yet makeup companies are one of the top most successful businesses around the world. I am not saying that is a bad thing, it is just a little bit hypocritical. Nonetheless, that is one of the paradoxes of life.

We live in the world where, if someone can't sell themselves well then obviously no one is going to buy that person. However, we should not lose hope. Yes, our outward man shall perish one day yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

There is no better comfort than knowing that we are created in His own image.

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Ecclesiastes 3:11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

There is a need to understand why we should know that we are already beautiful; not only in terms of psychology but also in biology. Our body does more than what we already know. It is designed. It is evaluated. It is meant to be that way. Our skin is intellectually formulated to be in such certain conditions. For example, when sugar levels in our body exceed, protein molecules can cross-link with sugar molecules. This chemical bridge leads to the creation of a new sugar proteins called AGEs (advanced glycation end products). Our bodies do not recognize this molecules as normal. Hence, the body will produce different kinds of antibodies resulting to inflammation on the skin. Moreover, these ages will also gravitate towards skin collagen and elastin, causing the collagen to become less elastic and brittle which causes the skin to age. That is when our skin's DNA plays a big role in determining serum glucose levels, especially the glycation process. Hence, knowing your DNA pattern is the best way to know which skincare products is best suitable for you. That is because our body does more than what we already know. We just need to take care of that.

Another example is: our skin tone. If you are born in a certain area where the sun shines bright, your skin will tend to have more melanin (a pigment that gives color to your eyes, hair and skin which is the substance that protects you from the sun) as it is designed to protect you from the harmful effect of the sun. Just like if you are from an area where the sun is little, then you will also have a little amount of melanin. We must think that our skin is a biological technology that designed to suit the regions that we came from.

Basically, nature has engineered the human being to adapt. And the answer to how is our DNA designed is still unknown. That is alright because that makes us value life even more.

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If you ever felt that there is a need to change that body that you came in, it's okay. You are not alone. You look greatest when you are confident on your own skin. However, acknowledge that you are wonderfully and beautifully made. And it is not just a mere, shallow talk. It is true. Even though we are all superficial, there is Someone—who is an intelligent and supreme being—that made you unique and so special.

Remember, real confidence is beautiful. It doesn't care to see others fail because it doesn't derive it's motivation from that. It only cares about one's own growth, one's own identity, and one's own ability. It does not compare itself to others because it is not insecure. It doesn't care to be the best or to seem the best. It is happy to be who it is and pray for others to be the same because we are all one. We are all connected through our consciousness. It is beautiful because confidence means that you are not only secure with who you are, but you want others to reach that goal as well. Real confidence is also not something that just it is. It's a constant battle. No one can ever be perfectly secure because we are in perpetual change. We discover new things. If anyone ever is, that means they are ignorant of change. Hence, we have to be confident even if we are unsure; even if we are not completely confident in everything that we are.

Real confidence does not look like what we are used to seeing. That is boast, I'd bet.

Real confidence is actually very quiet, and only stands out when you focus enough to see it.