Does True Beauty Lie In Our Imperfections?

Anolene Thangavelu Pillay is a psychology advisor with a postgraduate degree in psychology from Howard Campus, UKZN.

Anolene Thangavelu Pillay is a psychology advisor with a postgraduate degree in psychology from Howard Campus, UKZN.

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Published 22h ago

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IN THIS article, we attempt to redefine beauty in a way that celebrates our individuality rather than trying to conform to societal norms. By exploring the true meaning of beauty we can better understand beauty that is true, inclusive, and empowering.

Has our pursuit of physical beauty been a distraction from the true source of beauty all along? In the silence of mental health struggles, we question: Is beauty hidden in our physical appearance or in the materialism we uphold?

With living in this era of rapid progress, what if the secret to lasting beauty lies not in our genetic code but in our ability to live a life of purpose and meaning? What if true beauty is not about conforming to unrealistic standards but about embracing our uniqueness? Can we truly call ourselves beautiful if we're not cultivating inner qualities like empathy, kindness, and compassion?

The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, once said, "Beauty is the form of goodness." This ancient wisdom hints at the idea that true beauty is not just a physical characteristic, but rather a reflection of our inner selves. When we cultivate qualities like empathy, kindness, and compassion, we not only become more beautiful as individuals but also contribute to the beauty of the world around us. By recognising that beauty is not just skin-deep, we can shift our focus from externals to internals from superficial appearances to meaningful connections.

Research has shown that prolonged stress, anxiety, and depression can have devastating effects on our bodies, leading to premature aging, skin issues, and a compromised immune system. On the other hand, a healthy mind is linked to radiant skin, a robust immune system, and overall well-being. This raises a pressing question: can nurturing our mental wellness be the key to unlocking true, lasting beauty?

However, we have been conditioned to believe that beauty is about flawless skin, being perfect in every way, and presenting a flawless facade. But what if we have it all wrong? What if true beauty is about embracing our quirks, our flaws, and our individuality? What if it is about accepting ourselves, not in spite of our imperfections, but because of them?

Currently, the power of intelligent self-love attempts to redefine beauty. By combining our ingrained intelligence with good values, we can create a foundation for lasting beauty that radiates from within. When we bring together our intellect with compassion, empathy, and kindness, we unlock the door to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This powerful fusion empowers us to make informed choices, adopt healthy habits and nurture meaningful relationships. As a result, we cultivate a rare and radiant beauty that stems from a deeper sense of self-awareness.

In the present moment, a new shift is emerging - 'beauty within' - one that celebrates the beauty of a vibrant spirit, a compassionate heart, and a deep connection with ourselves and the world around us. In this era, beauty is no longer defined by superficial characteristics, but by the wisdom of our choices, our everyday habits, and the love we share with others.

However, what if the most attractive feature of a person is not their physical appearance but their capacity to love and be loved in return? Our mothers have always embodied the essence of beauty. When we think of 'mum', we instinctively focus on her inner radiance, recognising that true beauty transcends physical appearance. Our fathers, too, often epitomise this same measure of beauty. As we move forward in this age of rapid growth, we have a unique opportunity to redefine what it means to be beautiful, to challenge our current understanding of beauty, and create a new reality where mental health, self-acceptance, and sensitivity are the ultimate measures of beauty.

Would it be possible to alter the code of beauty in our minds to address health concerns like stress, anxiety, or depression? Could we debug the programs of self-doubt and replace them with an algorithm of self-love?

If we were to disconnect from the matrix of societal expectations and measure our worth with a new perspective of self-acceptance? Would we discover that true beauty is not a destination, but a frequency, and that we've been tuning into unhealthy attitudes all along? And what if, in this new reality, we gave ourselves permission to be imperfect to heal, and to rise above the darkness of mental health struggles?

In redefining beauty illusions, we could craft our own unique definitions of beauty instead of conforming to unrealistic standards. Are we finally able to open the door to genuine beauty and discover that it has been within us all along.

DAILY NEWS

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