I think of what my teacher said to me many years ago regarding this kind of beauty. “We are all like stained glass windows in a great cathedral. Each one uniquely different, each on perfect in our own way. But the light that is streaming through all these stained glass windows and illuminating our beings is the same light.” My job as a Five Element Acupuncturist is similar to being a beautician, helping to keep the stained glass clean and the shades open to receive the heavenly light. With the residue of decades washed away and the glass polished, there is the lustrous glow of authentic beauty.

In Summer, the season of the Fire Element this beauty seems more pronounced. As it is the season of “full flower, full expression, really letting each other shine!” Can we all be like the flowers we see along the “garden tour”? Can we allow ourselves to be seen? Are the doors to our cathedral open? Are we encouraging our loved ones to unveil and step into the light? Are we feeding each other enough warmth, gentleness, kindness and love. All the things a flower needs to open and reveal it’s inner beauty.

It is Summer, it’s ok to play! Let the beauty within you come out and illuminate the friendships you have made. Let the walls and floors in your corner of the cathedral dance and come alive with the warmth of your true colors. You are never to old for a “play date”.

As you play this summer, think about beauty. What do all things beautiful share in common? All you artist and gardeners out there, tell me, what makes something or someone beautiful?