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Dear
Athena: I was cleaning out some old pictures and got the shock of my life. I can't
remember how different I looked! Does everybody experience those kind of changes
in their appearance? E.W.
Dear E.W.: This reminds me of a question
I often ask a client when they come to see me about issues that are bothering
them. "When was the last time you took a good look at yourself in the mirror?"
The
mirror does not lie. You ask yourself,"Just when did the aging process take
place?"
Nature works in wonderful ways. It takes a person through
steps that combine the physical and emotional parts and releases the finished
result. Rarely do we see changes instantly. It takes absorbing the impact of the
emotions and allowing the physical body to release the finished result. It seems
as though, the emotions become settled within, causing muscle-release, or sagging.
You may push it away by saying you slept in an unusual position, or you
had a very difficult day before and did not sleep well, but the face shows it.
The
eyes usually give us a reading about our inner self. The revealing signals show
up in slight puffiness or a certain heavy look not noticed before. Or, an additional
crease appears that was not there.
Then, how does one explain when a woman
who is in her 60s, 70s, or older, does not have those creases, dents, and signs
of shrinking youth?
We need to go to the person's heredity - the qualities
genetically derived from one's ancestors, first, then observe if the person's
character as far as her handling of life's ups and downs.
I believe there
are several ways we go about aging.
It all starts when we are in the 30s,
the period of time when the elasticity of the body weakens. We do not bounce back
when we overdo, physically or emotionally, and it shows.
The mind works
in words and pictures and we see ourselves as we picture this self-image. The
self-image governs our conduct, our outlook, our attitude, and our feelings. The
emotional part that determines the way you live and the life you have chosen to
live - all resides within you, good or bad.
Many choose plastic surgery,
cosmetic touch-ups to help the cause. This is absolutely acceptable. Just remember,
the outside fixing-up does not alter the workings of the inside, which is the
force that takes your body through this trip. Many fix the package, but do not
bother to fix the stuff that fills the package.
This has always been an issue
with me. Having worked for many decades in this field of inner/outer beauty, the
most important factor is seldom mentioned. We have means to enhance our appearance,
but is there anyone out there who can direct this person to make changes in their
thinking? After all, this is where it all begins. Few have an idea how powerful
our thoughts are and how our lives can change - in many areas.
The package
is important. We are judged by it. We learn to love or hate it. Just become realistic,
make changes, if necessary, and learn to live with it peacefully.
Join
Athena on "High Noon with Athena" on WXBR AM 1460 radio, on Fridays,
11 am - 1 pm. Athena will discuss how we can develop a peaceful mind and body
- at any age. Or, write her, P.O. Box 218, Holbrook, MA 02343, or by e-mail AthenaPark@aol.com |
| | Dear
Athena: I come from a family of hairy people, and can say that but feel uneasy.
I need to find the right way to clear my skin from top to bottom, with as little
trouble, as possible. Can you tell me the way body hair can be eliminated? G.F.
Dear
G.F.: We all look for that flawless skin, from the facial contours, down the arms,
and down to our legs. In this culture, we expect women to remove whatever clutters
the body - and present the perfect form.
In many countries throughout the
world, facial hair, as well as hair all over the body, is accepted in women.
If
you are less than smooth, and want to be hair-free - legs, underarms, and, of
course, the sideburns, here are some of the methods of removal:
Bleaching.
Lightening body hair makes it less noticeable - unless you have dark skin. Again,
do a patch test first. Use a special body-hair bleach, not one for the hair on
your head. This is very important.
Shaving. Most women use a hand
razor because it's fast and quick. Prepare your skin with shaving cream or foam
created for this purpose. Run the razor head under water after each stroke to
avoid clogging - and razor nicks.
Waxing. Spreading warm wax on
the skin, then pulling it off with a muslin strip removes hair from the roots,
which gives long-lasting results (about a month). But it's painful and difficult
to do on yourself, except on small areas. If you can become accomplished, you
can do it systematically, small areas at a time, making sure you do not miss an
area. Many choose to have this hair removal techniques done by a professional.
Depilation:
Depilatories chemically dissolve hair and offer this advantage: they can be
used on arms, bikini line and upper lip, too, since they leave no stubble. First,
test for sensitivity on a small area before applying.
Electrolysis:
Using an electric current to kill the hair follicle will stop hair growth forever.
This is done by a professional, with equipment, and it may be slow, considering
a small area is done at one time. Those who have chosen this method, feel as though
they have conquered a big problem with their issue. Some may feel it is expensive,
and I always say, it all matters - just how important your appearance is to yourself.
Each
female has her own stamp of approval. I mean by that, we have our own imprint.
Notice how different each child is in a family. We have our own code. Whether
it is hair or no hair, too much hair, or not enough, we are one of a kind - better
believe it, and learn to care for yourself as you are who you are - and will be.
Join
Athena on "High Noon with Athena" on WXBR AM 1460 radio, on Fridays,
from 11 am - 1 pm. Athena will discuss how we can develop a peaceful mind and
body - at any age. Or, write her, P.O. Box 218, Holbrook, MA 02343, or by e-mail
AthenaPark@aol.com | | |
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