on inner beauty

dear friend

there are basically
two kinds of beauty

outer
and inner

most of us
have made
the blunder

at least
once

of chasing
the outer

only to find
the inner empty

so let’s explore the inner kind

the kind
that lasts

the kind
that blesses us
always

what is it

what
is it
made of

inner beauty is spiritual

it is made of
high and principled
character

combined with
tenderness

awareness

love
compassion
and forgiveness

toward self
and others

no amount of physical beauty

can make up for
the absence
of spiritual beauty

whereas
spiritual beauty

can make up for
the absence
of physical beauty

perception

spiritual beauty
is not perceived
with our eyes

if we focus only
on the surface
of others

we will not
discover

the invisible
treasure
within

it is our soul
that perceives
the inner light

the inner gifts
another person
has to offer

only a
a spiritually aware
being

is capable
of recognizing

that light
and
those gifts

i do not mean
we need
to be religious

i mean
we need
to be deep

we discover

spiritual beauty
with our body

as well as
with our soul

we know
when we are
physically near it

spiritual beauty
has physical power

we can
actually feel
the magnetic presence

of an alive
and receptive soul

when we are near

a spiritually beautiful
person

we experience
a profound sense
of emotional safety

we feel serene
in the environ

of this person’s
natural generosity

they are
neither critical
nor judgmental

of their self
or others

they are open
appreciative
and optimistic

we feel valued
and
secure

in
their presence

whatever
physical beauty

such a person
may have
is wonderful

but it is
the tender sweetness
of their soul

that touches
and shelters us

the essence of inner beauty

is tenderness

each one of us
is spiritually beautiful

every time
we show tenderness

toward any one
or any thing

every time
we gently look

for the best
in our self

and
for the best
in the other

every time
we tenderly give
from our heart

to love
and comfort
another soul

to nurture
and encourage children
and the young

to encourage
support
and enjoy the old

to be gentle
patient
and kind

to our self
and to all

and we are
especially
spiritually beautiful

when we are
compassionate
and forgiving

with those
who are difficult
troubled or misled

it is our loving tenderness

that causes
our eyes
to glow

our smile
to be radiant

our body
to convey

a deep
and receptive
sensuality

tenderness
–given and received–
is our way of life

we balance
abundant giving

with abundant
receiving

our inner glow

may be dimmed
by terrible oppression

traumatic events
and losses

some endured
for years

but unless
our soul
is crushed

our spiritual beauty
will revive
and be reborn

as we bravely
transcend
our pain

and
begin anew

our spiritual beauty
never leaves us

even if
an unhappy
man or woman

lover spouse
mother father child
or friend

decides
to do so

we cannot make
an unhappy person
happy

no matter
how spiritually beautiful
we may be

we cannot save
any one

from the destructive side
of their own mind

but by building
our own
spiritual beauty

we increase
our capacity

to recognize
spiritual beauty
in another person

and to reciprocate
their tenderness

with a full
and trusting heart

the magic happens

when two
spiritually beautiful
individuals

find
each other

the tender catalysis
of their mutual giving

is incredible

if we are not there yet

we can build
our inner beauty
gradually

we can give
and receive

each others’
treasures

in many
places

including
right here
in solutions

in the words
and ideas

we share
with each other

we may never
see each other
physically

but we can
recognize
and be inspired

by the inner beauty
of each one
of us

i may never
meet you
my friend

but your loving soul
shines
in your words

i see
your inner beauty

growing
over time

this is
a transformative
journey

we are taking
together

i have faith
in the abundant growth
of all of us

we are becoming
beautiful freedom builders

that is
what we do here

blessings

dr hall