NoDa Arts District: Finding The Beauty Within

Press release from the NoDa Arts District:

Gina Spriggs

October 2, 2021

Since moving to Charlotte, I’ve discovered a more…tolerant view on beauty – not because Charlotte is tolerant, but because the people and places I choose to be around offer a breath of fresh air.

In NoDa, you can be a size two or a size 22. Here, you can have a blended family, be in an interracial relationship (or not), have tattoos from head to toe (or none), be young, be old, be gay, be straight (or anything in between). Outside of those (new) religious zealots who have recently begun parking themselves outside of Fu’s Custom Tattoo on the weekends (making NoDa guests cross the street to avoid them), nobody cares.

This does not mean I don’t have a gazillion oils and potions on my bathroom vanity, or that I don’t care about how I look. On the contrary: It’s just that my personal style is no longer based on what others think.

I want to share a beauty tip with you, Reader. And no, this will not require you visiting me at Curio, Craft & Conjure to buy anything. All you’ll need is a pencil and paper. But let me offer some background information first.

On a metaphysical level, the lotus represents enlightenment – seeing the inner beauty of all beings, rather than just their outward appearance.

Let’s face it, youth and good looks are fleeting. Your inner qualities (such as kindness, compassion, joy, loyalty, truthfulness, and honor) are what truly matter. After all, our bodies are merely a temporary temple designed to carry us through this life. When we leave this world, we will be remembered for our inner qualities and contributions to those around us and the lives of others.

A wonderful way to concentrate on your inner beauty is to draw a lotus flower with 10 petals. On each petal, write something you admire about yourself that isn’t a physical feature. You will be surprised at how many gorgeous inner qualities you possess!

Allow your inner beauty and confidence to be your gift to the world. Doing so invites those around you to do the same.

This press release was produced by the NoDa Arts District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.