Practising beauty

The beauty of one's ambience is indispensable precisely to the extent that it can be realized in practice. We must strive for a balance that avoids both an obsessive perfectionism and a cynicism or slovenliness which thinks that anything can be permitted. The most important key is conformity with the natural environment. You should try to make sure, within whatever the realistic limits in your case, that the materials, colours and kinds of things in your ambience are as consistent as possible with the simplicity, humility and dignity of nature. The essential principle is really very easy. In any given case, you must learn to ask yourself whether the book you are reading, the music you are listening to, the clothes you are wearing, the company you are keeping, and the home you are living in provide a congenial space for meeting God. (James S Cutsinger).

For attractive lips, Speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, Seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, Share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone. People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody. Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years. (Audrey Hepburn).