What does it mean to feel beautiful? I don't think too many men would use this word to define their feelings so I guess I ask this from a woman's point of view.

Our eight year old daughter was in a dance recital last weekend. Her expertise is Irish Tap. The theme of the show was celebrating the 70's. (Wish I had done that DURING the 70's!)

She had baggy chino pants on and a white shirt with a melon green vest. Her hair was in pigtails. She looked adorable. Right before we left for call time, I asked her if she wanted to wear lipstick for the show.

She looked in the mirror and sighed.  "No, Mom. I don't care to."

I knew she was tired from the previous night's show and odd sleep hours. It's a lot of excitement for an eight year old to be in a huge show at night. So I thought it would cheer her up to 'dress up' with makeup like the other girls.

"No? Okay, Honey.  Would you like one of your sparkly barrettes in your hair to add to your already beautiful self?"

"No, Mom," she said with a glazed look on her face.  "Wearing make up and hair stuff doesn't make me feel beautiful."

Well, this was a relief to hear since I only don't always wear make up and I emphasize inner beauty with our child.

Every morning when she dresses she'll say, "How do I look?"

I answer, "You look beautiful. How do you feel?"

She usually says, "Great." And I reply, "Fantastic!  Since that's the most important thing."

But now, watching her stand near the mirror and reflect inwardly caught my attention. "So..." I started. "What does help you to feel beautiful?"

"I dunno."

"Well, how does it feel when I tell you that you look beautiful?"

She shrugs. "I guess the words aren't in my head about it."

We gaze at each other in the mirror.

"Mom?"  When you tell me that you love me and you're not angry with me 'cause I didn't clean the toys off my floor, that's when I feel beautiful."

Oh, my heart. I hugged her and told her I loved her no matter what.

She smiled. Ready for the show, bare lips and all, feeling beautiful.

I've a friend who's a singer/songwriter. She performs in front of people

all the time. She drove into town to see Eliah dance. That night I asked her what it meant to feel beautiful. She said that if she feels like she has a lot to give, she feels beautiful.

Then she asked me the same question.

So I listed the times; When I wear a simple piece of jewelry that jingles or sparkles and am enamored with the way it looks or sounds. When our daughter hugs me and tells me that she loves me. I feel beautiful when I've had glorious sleep and don't have to jump out of bed. (That kind of beauty happens pretty much IN my dreams.)

Then I thought about it a moment longer and said, "Truly, though, I feel the most beautiful during and just after a session with someone. That's when I feel whole and at peace and completely alive. It's beautiful to feel Divine and to connect so deeply, on a spiritual level with another person. That kind of communion is silent, sacred, complete and oh, so beautiful."

Aum. A=the beginning. U=the middle, the life we live. M=the end. All followed by the silence from which all things come again. I wish you Peace. Be well, Elaine Maroulakos Edelson.

Elaine Maroulakos Edelson is an empathic, intuitive and astrological counselor.

With personal empowerment workshops, Salons, Private Mentee Programs, CDs and Workbooks dedicated to helping others overcome fear to create an extraordinary life. For more information please visit her website www.manifestchangenow.com or email her at aum1133@msn.com