Inner beauty radiates happiness, not controversy<\/p>\n
By Djoewariah Poorwo Soedarmo<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The recent controversy over Indonesia's
\nparticipation in the Miss Universe contest finally ended after
\nPresident Soeharto firmly stated that such contests, in which
\nwinners are selected based on appearance and body measurements,
\nare not for Indonesians.<\/p>\n
It seems that the requirement of wearing a bathing suit in
\nfront of a packed audience for assessment by a jury put an end to
\nthe whole matter. Wearing a bathing suit for such a purpose is
\nconsidered counter to the Indonesian concept of decency.<\/p>\n
If the person wearing the swimming suit were at a swimming
\npool ready to take a dive, nobody would be disturbed. Even if it
\nhad been a bikini, not many people would have cared either. One
\ncould say that it was the wrong outfit at the wrong place.
\nFortunately, it's all over now.<\/p>\n
Naturally, there are people who are happy with the proclaimed
\nban and those who are not. Those in favor of the ban may argue
\nthat beauty is God's gift. It must not be contested, let alone
\nevaluated in order to get a prize. On the contrary, people who
\noppose the ban think it wise to organize or join such a
\ncompetition. The winner could raise funds to help the needy, or
\nthe elderly. Aren't those good deeds? It could also boost the
\ncountry's tourist industry.<\/p>\n
Well, you're free to take whichever side.<\/p>\n
However, I was just thinking. How about viewing beauty from a
\nspecific angle?<\/p>\n
It's interesting and it concerns us women, anyway.<\/p>\n
The kind of beauty I wish to introduce here is not the
\nmonopoly of a few selected women. It doesn't bank on beautiful
\neyes or legs.<\/p>\n
On the contrary, it's a beauty that each of us can -- even
\nmust -- try to achieve. It comes from within and is founded on
\nsheer happiness and love which -- strangely enough -- is
\nreflected in one's face, changing its lines and expression in
\nsuch a miraculous fashion that it becomes beautiful in a unique,
\nvery personal way.<\/p>\n
You don't believe me?<\/p>\n
Just look at the young mother who is joyfully cuddling her
\nlittle baby. Her face radiates love, gratitude and happiness to
\nsuch an extent that it makes her very pretty. Or observe a woman
\nin love. Her beauty is at her best.<\/p>\n
Each of us can achieve this kind of beauty. We even ought to
\nconsider it our duty to develop it throughout our life for the
\nsake of our husband and children and our environment. A happy
\nsmile or a hearty laugh can work wonders, and it's contagious.<\/p>\n
It makes you beautiful, too<\/p>\n
One is aware of the value of beauty if they find themselves
\namid those who are suffering. Observe the expressions of misery
\non the sagging faces of people whose houses are being pulled
\ndown, or whose dwellings are washed away by relentless floods. No
\nsmiles or laughter anywhere. No beauty.<\/p>\n
How can we achieve this inner beauty which is capable of
\nmiraculously changing the expression of one's face? A beauty that
\ndoesn't need washing off at night? We can either write a whole
\nbook on it, or we can make it short.<\/p>\n
On this occasion, we've got no choice but to keep it concise.<\/p>\n
First of all, we can't look radiant and beautiful without
\nbeing healthy, physically as well as mentally. Health and beauty
\ngo hand in hand.<\/p>\n
In order to achieve ultimate bodily health, we must nourish
\nour body with the appropriate kinds of food. After all, it's food
\nthat has made our body look as it is now. Hence, don't let a day
\ngo by without providing your body with appropriate nourishment --
\nthe adequate amounts of grains, fish, meat, lots of greens, fruit
\nand milk -- if you can afford it. In brief, keep hold of our
\nslogan Healthy Four, Perfect Five as I've mentioned before, and I
\nguarantee you're on the safe side.<\/p>\n
Further, see to it that you live in a well-ventilated
\nenvironment, so that you keep your lungs healthy. Engage in some
\nform of exercise every day, and get a good rest too. Our
\nintricately built body is meant to move around a lot. A sedentary
\nlife only creates fat, and as such doesn't make us beautiful.<\/p>\n
In olden times, our ancestors were constantly on the move. Men
\nroamed the woods in search of game to be slaughtered and women
\nhad lots to do in the house and its surroundings. Thus, they had
\nlots of exercise. Compared to them, women of nowadays are just
\nspoiled brats. We only need to turn a knob to get the light or a
\ngas stove burning, turn a tap to get water running and so on.<\/p>\n
If we fail to exercise, chances are that we will become
\noverweight, which doesn't make us beautiful.<\/p>\n
Of course, we've got to take care of our metal health, too.
\nHow can we cultivate a happy smile and a pretty face if we aren't
\nable to cope with our mental disorders? It's easier said than
\ndone, though, but it's worth trying.<\/p>\n
First, we must do our best to be optimistic. Never lose hope,
\nand trust that every cloud has a silver lining. Being religious
\nhelps a lot.<\/p>\n
In dark and bitter moments of life, we tend to only pay full
\nattention to our unhappiness. We simply get drowned in it and do
\nnothing to get out of it. We're in deep distress and turn a blind
\neye to the rest of this beautiful world. Negative feelings crowd
\nour mind: Anger, jealousy, betrayal, discontent, a surge of
\nvengeance and whatnot.<\/p>\n
If at this point you take the trouble to look in the mirror,
\nyou won't recognize yourself. You've lost all yesterday's beauty.
\nThose bad feelings have carved ugly lines on your face, and left
\na horrible expression on it.<\/p>\n
You don't want to keep that expression, do you? Get rid of
\nthose negative feelings. Wash your face, put on some make-up,
\nplay outdoors, pay attention to the beautiful flowers in the
\ngarden. Smile, smile, and smile! Do things that make you feel
\nuseful to others. It's amazing how these steps can alleviate your
\nunhappiness. If you're lucky, you might even come to the
\nconclusion that life isn't so bad after all. And now you've
\ngotten back your pretty smile.<\/p>\n
Let's make time for introspection and find our precious inner
\nbeauty.<\/p>",
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