What is inner beauty?

[Maricel Evasco]

I'm teaching The Elephant Man right now. The underlying theme in this biography is inner beauty vs external perceptions of beauty. It is a heartrending story of a man/monster isolated and ridiculed because of his grotesque form. I find it interesting that of all the major works/classics I teach every year, the sad tale of Joseph Merrick tends to be a favorite for most of my students. I am glad they can see past his hideous shell to appreciate the beauty within....Merrick's romantic mind, his childlike innocence, and innate graciousness.

In the movie, John Merrick radiates a loveliness of spirit
which makes the ending even more tragic. John (aka Joseph) Merrick
for me is the true embodiment of inner beauty.

What is your definition of inner beauty?
Can we nurture it?

[Maricel Evasco]

"Inner beauty is a deep, internal loveliness that has its own radiance and allure to everyone around you; a presence that, in of itself, draws others to you." (RAW magazine pg. 15)

I've always thought Audrey Hepburn possessed this very quality.
She was elegance, compassion, graciousness personified.
I can't think of any celebrity now possessing her grace,
though imo, Christie Turlington comes a bit close.

http://www.audrey1.org/

[Suuse]

Inner beauty is what can still be seen when one has turned out the lights.

[Maricel Evasco]

Hey I like that definition-what can still be seen when one has turned out the lights.

[SeaRain]

I agree, Suuse, and my grandma and my mom had it. Their light is still on even though it is out.

peace

SeaRain

[Quilty]

I like to say I'm like a box of Cracker Jack -- the packaging may be a bit old and dated, but the prize is on the INSIDE.

"Elephants' brought to mind a poem someone shared on another board several years ago that takes me aback every time I read it...


"The Elephant and the Butterfly"
(author unknown)

I am an elephant
And I can't get through
I drag my weight slowly
I live in embarrassment
And eat alone and you don't know
How painful it is to dream for someone who cannot

I am an elephant
And I hide
But there is no refuge
So deep
I don't know how to flee
How pitiful that I show myself like this
To your glance that I love and that laughs at me
You are a butterfly
Light and Free on me

Never
I will never be able to reach you
You break my heart and flee
Up there
I am an elephant
What can I do
I am nailed to the ground
And to this Love
I try to follow you
But I fall and am stuck
You can't even help me. please go away

You are a butterfly
Light and free on me
Oh never
Never will I be able to reach you.
You break my heart and flee away
From me

Inside of me, inside of me
I have the heart of a butterfly
And you will never see
How much it resembles you
Inside of me, inside of me
I have the heart of a butterfly

[Maricel Evasco]

Quilty, I LOVE THAT POEM.

I wish you posted it here 2 weeks ago. I could have used it in class
(SIGH) what a missed opportunity.

I'll use it next year.