What makes a person beautiful:nurturing beauty's true essence
By Michelle Liew Tsui-LIn
Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks.Not in what they say. Just in what they are.” ― Markus Zusak, I am the Messenger
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is only skin deep. We know of a wealth of cliches on beauty. We have been told countless times and in endless ways about looking at the beauty underneath the surface package.
To look at things from a realistic perspective, it can be difficult to look at what makes a person truly beautiful, because we are but human and looking at a pleasurable thing at the surface level is what pleases our hearts.
Once in a while, we do need a little reminding about the essence of true beauty. I am not addressing the issue of beauty being at the surface level, because it has all been said before. Instead, we look at what constitutes beauty, for it means many different things to all of us.
What is the essence of true beauty?
Passion
Beauty is indeed different for everyone but there are some commonalities that form its true essence. Certainly, these elements should be a part of our perspective of beauty.
There is nothing more beautiful than observing true passion at work. True passion for life, work and the little things in life gives a certain aura that makes a person truly attractive.
Passion is truly the key. I am not a cook, and will never claim to be. But watching my grandmother at work preparing the Peranakan delicacies she is famous for and the love she has for every ingredient is truly beautiful motivation for me to use the kitchen more often to conjure up a few scrumptious pleasures of my own.
Listening to my father and the passion that he has for the guitar was the beauty that propelled my love for music and being a music teacher, which still holds true to this day.
Which of these do you value most as beauty in a person?
Sincerity
Sincerity is one of the things that contributes to the essence of true beauty. We all admire a person who truly walks his talk.
I once worked under a teacher who served as the Head of Department for English Department at a school I was teaching Literature at. This Head was not one to just delegate work and expound the philosophy of teaching - she truly got down to the nitty gritty and worked together with the rest of the staff of the English Department. She did not just say that remedial lessons should be done, but put in the extra hours needed to do them herself.
The thing that made this lady truly beautiful was that she listened with a non-judgemental, open ear whenever the teaching staff in her department had any problems with students. The sincerity was certainly refreshing and wonderfully admirable.
The ability to go beyond
When a person can go beyond in the spirit of truth and with a sincere heart, he really radiates beauty beyond belief. The vital words would be “sincere heart”, without any unhealthy intrinsic motivations.
Going the extra mile without expectations that would otherwise discourage any other positive giving truly makes a person beautiful. A wonderful model of this would be my own mother-in-law, who is willing to make any sacrifice of time and effort for her children, a beautiful rarity sadly quite difficult to witness in this day and age. She does not consider returns for the time and effort she spends on cooking or looking after my twin nieces and only requires that they be truly positive in mind and spirit.
What makes you beautiful One Direction
The ability to empathize
A person who can put him or herself in the shoes of another and not just say “I feel sorry for you” is one who radiates true beauty. The ability to know what it is like for another person or to at least have the willingness to understand another person’s situation is beauty that makes a true difference in one’s life and the lives of others. Here is more on what empathy is.
Clarity of purpose
I would argue that a person who really knows and understands what he is doing and what the purpose of his being is is enchanting. We all admire someone with clear vision and direction.
It is not always easy to know where one is headed for, but those do have a purpose,unwavering determination and decisiveness that models for others and truly strikes a chord.
A person who illustrates such clarity of purpose is a friend of mine, Elizabeth Rutten Ng, who took the road less traveled to become a dance therapist specializing in dance and embodied movement therapy that contributes to inner healing. So determined was she that she overcame numerous odds - including moving to another country, learning a completely new language and getting a degree - to become a strong advocate for authentic movement being able to facilitate emotional healing.
What makes this lady outstandingly beautiful is her sincere zest for the craft and its healing that she strongly believes in. Her approach to promoting the healing gift of dance therapy is a no holds barred one. SHe comes back regularly to Singapore to conduct workshops that show how embodied movement works to shape and promote a better, holistic self. You can find out more about the work she does on embodied movement and dance here.
Honesty
Beautiful is the person who can be honest with others and most crucially, with himself. We respect those who tell us sincere truths with no hidden agenda. We laud those who can touch base with themselves.
My husband has the gravitas and honesty that has made him a beautiful companion in our almost twelve years of marriage. His inner beauty lies in his ability to tell honest truths tactfully, a trait that is not easy to emulate. Truly beautiful is a person who manages to tell the truth and tell it well.
A zest for life
What better beauty to behold than someone who has a true vigour and love for life! Such a person is able to inspire and motivate others to take solid steps forward to achieve their goals.
One such person was my grandfather. A veteran tennis coach, his love for the game spurred many on to learn the sport from him. Even as he was riddled with cancer, his zest for living enabled him to fight it for twenty three years, no mean feat for a man in his eighties. He has taught us that the will to live can help one overcome many odds, a mantra I live by to this day.
The Belladonna Lily and the Horseman's Star
The Belladonna Lily
The Amaryllis Belladonna or the Belladonna Lily is a flower that has been used since ancient times to symbolize beauty, owing to its showy and colorful nature. The fact is not surprising, since the word Amaryllis comes from the Greek word to “sparkle”.
The Haiku form
A haiku, a short Japanese poem written in 17 syllables, the first line having 5, the second 7 and the third 5. Haiku are distinct because of their focus on nature, though modern poets have broached other subjects with haiku. An outstanding trait of Haiku is its juxtaposition of images and the use of them to create meaning. For more on Haiku, please read this informative article by Daisy Mariposa.
Do find a few haiga (haiku with imagery) haiku placed as photographs in this article. I hope you enjoy them!
Conclusion
To me, these elements constitute true beauty. Here, I would like to thank those who answered the question “What constitutes true beauty?” Do take the time to visit each of these wonderful authors.
Original Work by Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin
All rights reserved
Other poems by Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin
- The dangers of disrespect and overcoming its consequ...
On the dangers of disrespect, coming out of its darkness and a trillinea poem. - The benefits of chocolate, myths and a poem
On the benefits of chocolate, why we love chocolate, a few chocolate myths and an epulaeryu poem. - Developing the undervalued art of true empathy
On developing empathy in ourselves and haiku on empathy. - Appreciating the rustic charm of the Singaporean co...
Blurb: On coffee shops in Singapore and a little sonnet. - The reasons why we should write poetry:an acrostic p...
On the benefits of writing poetry, some wonderful poets and an acrostic poem for National Poetry Month - The welcome warmth of a hearty salutation:an inspira...
A poem on the importance of giving someone a warm greeting. - Our existence,brimming with splendor:a tanka poem
Life is brimming with things we should treasure and not take for granted. - The dance of Thanks and Givens: a terza rima poem
On why we should not take things for granted, and a terza rima poem. - How the Spider Mum flower thrives:a sonnet on overco...
A sonnet on overcoming obstacles. - When the light from a lighthouse shines for all: an ...
In our search for life’s purpose, we quite often selfishly think only of our our own needs. We finally find it when we consider the needs of others. - The Rogue Wave, a sonnet on overcoming loneliness an...
On overcoming feelings of loneliness and the discomfort of being in crowds.
Comments
AUTHORThanks, mawada.
it's nice and the beautiful is beautiful inside
Midget38, of course, we are talking of comparison, otherwise it is like what those corrupted monkeys are saying, i.e. corruption happens everywhere, and that justify what they are doing. And do you know what negotiated government tenders are? They negotiate as to how much you get and how much I get under the table and you call that good governance? Read this:
- AUTHOR
Believe me. It's definitely a problem everywhere, just how much and in what way. Though I'd have to agree, we're better off in that way
Singapore was ranked No. 5 in Transparency International's Index in 2012, while Malaysia was ranked No. 54. In 2012, Malaysia also scored the lowest in Transparency International's Bribe Payers Survey, beating even Indonesia, a country with the biggest reputation for corruption. How can it be the same? Look at my website:
- AUTHOR
Oh, no fear, Walter.....it's the same. ;)
Midget38, wait till you compare Malaysia with Singapore and see why a government purchase of an RM1,940 binocular for RM56,350 is considered perfectly above board... seems like you are not following Malaysian politics!
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Well, the very nature of politics is selfish, Walter! I guess that's true the world over!
Midget38, you're right. Inner beauty is what makes a person. I look at the politicians of the ruling coalition in my country and all I can say is "Ptuuuuiiiii". The only thing respectable about them is their "Yang Berhormat" title. And I guess they need that title very much because that is the only respectable thing about them.
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Thanks for sharing, passionate77! It really is inner beauty that makes a person!
so great article defining the true meaning of real beauty that never depends only on looks but there is lot more to be considered about a person when judging him/her as a beautiful human, and this articles disclose all those hidden aspects of true beauty that really makes a person beautiful indeed, no matter how common he or she look outwardly but eventually its only inner beauty that makes a person really adorable. i bookmarked the page, really loved a lot reading all till the end and enjoyed a lot, great hub, stay blessed!
Michelle,
This is an awesome hub and I really enjoyed reading it. Sadly, most people only see beauty on the surface. In this hub you have reminded people that there is much more to beauty than what you see superficially. I agree with all of your opinions about beauty. Voted up and sharing with followers and on Facebook. Also Pinning and Tweeting.
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Thank you, Rose.
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Thanks, Peggy, for the vote and share.
An awesome article! You have captured all the elements of true beauty. Thank you for sharing. (Voted Up) -Rose
This is such an inspiring hub describing what makes for true beauty. It is so much more about what is inside a person as opposed to appearances on the outside that truly count. You stated it beautifully. Up votes and happy to share.
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Thanks, Ish.
A beautifully written hub filled with wise words and lovely haiga! You are absolutely right in your perspective that beauty is more about character rather than looks. Here it is amazing to learn about people well-known to you serving as ideal examples in this uplifting hub of yours! Way to go!
Thanks for SHARING. Beautiful & Awesome. Voted up & shared
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Hi Lurana, thanks so much for sharing!
Wise and thoughtful and full of beauty...wonderful work, Michelle! ~Lurana
Wow, you have pointed out some of the true facets of beauty, the essential qualities of beauty expressed through humanity:
Passion, Sincerity, The ability to go beyond, The ability to empathize, clarity of purpose, Honesty, A zest for life
I am glad to discover you here, through the Question you posted on "Which songs strike you as capturing the true spirit of beauty?"
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That's right, Martie, and I have another music hub in mind on the subject. Thanks for sharing!
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Hi Bravewarrior, no, I've not opted out, and will include the team. Sorry about that! Thanks for sharing!
Michelle, you bring forth some awesome realities of what beauty really exemplifies. I take it since you have not mentioned the Perspectives Team in this hub that you have opted out of being our guest writer this month?
Excellent hub. I look forward to the one you are going to publish as a guest writer of the Perspectives on the 15th. There are so much to say about beauty, and more about the beauty in the souls of human beings.
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Yes, it does have many faces. Thanks for sharing, Janet!
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Thanks so much, Elias!
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I would love to join you all next month too, Maria!! Yes, I was a bit early, coz this weekend would be a bit busy for me. Thanks for sharing!!
What a wonderful hub! Beauty has so many faces. So great you described some of them. I also liked that you shared personal experience or persons that have the qualities you described. And of course, I also love your haiga.
Wonderful hub and well written. I agree with your views on what true beauty actually is. Voted ans shared.
Along with Docmo, I was rushing to the calendar...thank heavens it is not the 15 th yet...
A beautiful and most personal perspective, Michelle.
Thanks so much for asking Martie to be part of the Perspectives team this month. Have a great week, Maria
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Thanks, Vellur.
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We would be.....yet such is life! Thanks for sharing!!
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Thanks, Mary!
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No worries! I value empathy the most too. Thanks for sharing, Leslie.
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Correct! lovely video too, Lamservant...rings true, doesn't it?
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I'm a little early, Doc! Thanks, glad you've enjoyed it.
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Thanks, DDE.
Beautiful hub and a great write. Beauty comes from deep within and not from looks or appearances. Beauty is beyond the skin. Great Haiga, voted up.
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Yes, it does, so asking for a decision is a bit of a trick! Thanks, Mary.
Voted U U A & Beautiful this one Midget..You are so right beauty comes in many forms and we are foolish if we don't look deeper than the superficial veneer of physicality..thanks for your great hub..cheers
This was amazing. I don't know which was more beautiful, your words or the photos. You've certainly put together a beautiful piece that reminds us what beauty is all about! Well done my friend.
Voted up, useful, beautiful, and interesting. Oh, and shared too!
thank goodness beauty shines from within, cause the shine's gettin' a little dull on the out! lol...
whateva' - i'm alive - healthy - and am lucky with friends and family!
I definitely ticked empathy altho there are certainly other worthy tributes that you covered beautifully!
clarity of purpose came in last for me..just saying..lol..
sharing on Michelle, peace and lovexx
This is wonderful. The very thing I look at in people unconsciously. Here is another song the singer wrote to his daughter, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C2o0jHNRuU
Beautiful thoughts on beauty here, Michelle. (For second I thought I had forgotten to post my perspective hub on time!) your wonderful list of all things beautiful captures the true spirit of beauty. Your haiku is a great addition to the article.
Incredible thoughts on What makes a person beautiful:nurturing beauty's true essence. It is vital to ones character to see one in this way and you said it all here.
It was hard for me to vote in your poll because I believe it takes all those traits to make a person beautiful!
I have known people in my life that certainly would not have won a beauty prize, but yet they were beautiful.
Great job with this one, Michelle. Voted Upand shared.
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Smiling truly makes a person beautiful. Thanks for sharing,Nell.
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Hi, Walter!! Correct. If only the world could scratch below the surface. Thanks for sharing!
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Thankfully, yes, Bill! Thanks for sharing!
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It is, isn't it..because people look for what pleases the senses. Thanks for sharing, Kidscrafts.
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Thank you, Dasy.
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Thank you, Eddy!
I always say the most beautiful person is the one who smiles. I remember back years ago when I was moaning about being ugly and spotty (teens) and my friend said, just keep smiling! love this midget, wonderful!
The most beautiful person in the world must be Albert Einstein, with his tongue sticking out. Unfortunately, I can't display his pic to show what I mean. Even the physically ugliest person in the world is the most beautiful in our eyes, if he can solve our toughest problems, e.g. an incurable disease. And that's being realistic.
What is physical beauty, anyway, other than what the fashion magazines define it for us? And have we not come across some of the most physically beautiful people in the world whom we love to hate? (Names withheld for obvious reason.) A wonderful hub, this is, to remind us that beauty is more than skin-deep. Voted up with UABI!
If beauty was dependent on good looks I never had a chance. Thankfully there are those who look deeper into a person and find the beauty within. Great message, Michelle.
Fantastic hub, Michelle!
In this day and age a lot of people associate beauty with physical beauty and when you think about it it's quite superficial.
The most important thing for me is the person inside; the one that you can't judge if you never talk to the person.
It's difficult to really choose one quality for the beauty in a person. I have several of them : sincerity, honesty and empathy.... for sure.
I admire the way you develop all your hubs, Michelle!
Voted up, interesting and awesome!
Michelle,
I enjoyed seeing your haiga (haiku with imagery) included in your article.
Thanks for linking to my article "How to Write a Haiku about Nature." I appreciate it.
A wonderful share and voted up. Your obvious hard work has certainly paid off with this gem Michelle.
Enjoy your day.
Eddy.
- AUTHOR
On what makes a person truly beautiful, and haiku on a belladonna lily.
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