So – look at the adverts that try and press us into insignificant and superficial moulds…look at them with interest, as we can’t avoid them, and see how a civilization is trying to maintain a slippery hold on our becoming – trying to grasp us and make us shrink with fear, look at each other with competitive and s…caled eyes – never good enoughand then shake it off – knowing that we are part of a miracle, everyday – we ourselves ARE the miracle.

Perfectly imperfect beauty is loving what is – breath, words, twigs, the hard hats of building constructors, red fire engines, bicycles, my own two legs that do the job well, my faithful body that is here everyday when I wake up – ready to carry me into the new experience of a new day. My body likes that – being apprec…iated for the work it’s doing all the time, mysteriously, way beyond what I can understand…so intelligent, and happy to know its appreciated. And if ever one feels ‘not enough’ of something, not beautiful, slender, white-teethed or shiny haired for example, let it go and look for what is good – that I HAVE teeth, hair..and eyes to see the world. GO take a walk in a park and see how nature glories in every moment – we are part of nature, part of the glory of being physical, human beings with minds, hearts and souls…Appreciate that. That is where TRUE BEAUTY lies – that’s what I think.” -M.E.

When someone is so happy with whatever they are doing, there is no way not to look beautiful. When someone makes you happy, they are beautiful.

The love and joy is contagious- when you are happy, everything and everyone looks beautiful. When you’re in love, the same. That is why it is said that love is blind. That is why anyone wearing an honest smile looks beautiful. When you are doing something you love and it shows, it’s infectious. The truth, joy, love and beauty just drown everyone around you.

I’ve been to many shows in the past, I’ve seen many performers and the ones that have stuck with me the most have been the ones who clearly enjoyed it- those who were doing it for the LOVE of it, nothing more.

Ben Graupner, of the 100 Monkeys (shown here) has been one of the most joyful performers I’ve ever encountered.  He’s an absolutely beautiful person in my eyes- his joy and love for music inspired absolute joy in me and inspired me in numerous ways.

So, thanks, Ben, for doing what you do with love.

and everyone else- whatever you do, do it with love. Find the joy in the little things and the beauty that is everywhere will blossom before your very eyes and you’ll make someone else smile and spread the beauty even further.  Do what you do with love. Smile often. Be happy.

Just wanted to post a quick reminder that the beauty of this blog is the participation and diversity of you- the readers! The last few posts have been written by me, inspired by others, but true beauty isn’t just what one person may believe it is- it is about diversity! So, participate! Email a picture of yourself in which you felt truly beautiful, or of someone that you believe is truly beautiful, along with a few lines of thoughts or quotes- anything! Thank you so much and spread the love! – Claudia G.

photo by Brittany W.

Beauty isn’t about the size of your clothes, or how much money you have. It’s not about the number of miles you can run or the catwalks you walk. Beauty isn’t about facial symmetry or “perfection”. Beauty is about being a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about taking and doing something you love and using what you have to spread that joy and love to anyone who it can touch. It’s honesty, passion, authenticity, confidence…

Beauty is in the number of smiles you inspire. It can be through a simple gesture such as a smile, a hug, a wink or a song. Some people inspire smiles just by simply being who they are and this is one of the purest forms of beauty.

I have been very privileged to meet some of the most beautiful people in the past week or so.  This photo captured one of the most amazing nights of my life and my encounter with an exceptional person whom I hope to have the luck of meeting again soon…

Beauty not only inspires a smile upon the first encounter but leaves a smile that is inspired by any thing that sparks a memory… beauty is everlasting. Spread your love and joy. Spread the beauty.

I’m also thankful for good friends. My best friend who sat with me for 12 hours and never moved, ate or drank just so we could be as close as possible to Kings Of Leon, who stayed up with till 4am laughing about random nonsense, who thinks sitting on my porch till 2am makes for a great night.

I’m also thankful for family. My mom, sister and “dad” who helped me through more problems this year than I’ve seen in my entire life, who were there for me when I went through my divorce, who are always there when I need a shoulder to cry on, or to make me laugh my hardest when I feel like dying.

In a year that’s been the most dramatic of my life I have tons to be thankful for. I am thankful everyday for the friends and family that have come my way, they make my life complete.

-KP

In honor of the holidays I’m asking anyone who would like to participate to please send me a comment about what they are thankful for and why and if you haven’t yet, send me a picture and a comment on what is beauty or what is sexy to you! Doesn’t have to be short or deep or meaningful, just something it means to YOU!

I’m thankful that people care about taking part in these things and I hope this project can continue and grow.

Much love to you all,

Claudia

Beauty is the dissolving of divisions and borders to join together in celebration of a common love…