Many women think that the key to beauty lies in the bottom of their makeup bag. There are a million and one reasons why women believe this: they’re judged on their appearance, pop culture and mass media support those judgements, and big business makes its money off shamelessly promoting the before and after effects of their miraculous products. The truth is, being beautiful doesn’t come from a lipstick tube, mascara wand, or blush brush. The following seven factors create a more lasting impression than any amount of makeup ever could:

1. Her passions

A woman who is without passion is one dull woman. At times life can feel like a Mack truck, ready to roll over us all at a moment’s notice. It’s hard for a woman to slow down and take time to do the things that truly bring her joy, but when she neglects the part of herself that ignites her, then she is living a passionless existence...

Up until the last few years, I had rejected the idea of allowing myself to be vulnerable, if even on a subconscious and cellular level.

From a young age, I had managed to push down any vulnerability or sensitivity I had in me for my own psychic survival. Looking back I realize that I suffered from some deep emotional wounds, wounds that I wouldn’t or couldn’t acknowledge. Was it because I was strong? Was it because I was stubborn? Perhaps I was both. The truth was, I no longer knew.  Somewhere along the road to survival, the difference between the two had begun to blur.

I refused to be hurt. I refused it with such a vengeance; I probably hurt myself more in the process. I spent what felt like an eternity building emotional brick walls in hopes that they would protect my heart. Yes, I had it all figured out. Through the cunning and creative placement of walls, I would never have to feel pain again. Absence of pain equaled happiness.

“How people treat other people is a direct reflection of how they feel about themselves.” ~Paul Coelho

By nature, I am a happy, optimistic, idealistic person. I have always been one to look on the bright side and see the good in people. My usual philosophy in life is that the world is full of brightness, love, and possibilities to seize.

Recently, though, my philosophy began to fade in the face of a mild depression.

I began to cry a lot and retreat into myself rather than being social and opening up, which only furthered the problem. I felt alone, miserable, and, try as I might, I could not regain that feeling of the world being beautiful.

I felt like something had crawled into my brain and flipped all the positive switches off and the negative ones on. I felt hopeless, like it was more of a disease than a feeling.

Before the depression, I was a kind, gentle, and compassionate person. Sometimes I was even toogentle, afraid to bring up anything that might offend someone else or damage our relationship.

Looking up at the stars can lead us to two very profound realisations about our existence on planet Earth. On one hand, we realise how minute we are in human form within this immense expanse of Universe. On the other, there is the deep knowledge that everything and everyone are inextricably linked by the same Universal Consciousness. It follows that, by living from the soul, we have the potential to create a beautiful world through our thoughts and actions. I once overheard someone speculate that “there is only one way to heal the world, and that’s Love”. I concur. However, Love is an enormous concept and takes many forms. Here are fifteen ways in which we can manifest it and begin to heal the world.

1. Redefine Prosperity

The first step towards living from the soul is to recognise the abundance of prosperity in our lives. Prosperity is not just about material wealth and gain. We can be prosperous in quality time, in talents, relationships, creativity, freedom, health and emotional wellbeing. Sadly, many of these free and wonderful gifts are sacrificed in pursuit of prosperity in its most fragile form. Realising the abundance of gifts we already have in our lives nurtures gratitude through which we manifest great Love for the choices we make.f

These 18 spiritual teachings will alter your mind and improve your life.

1. Everything I need is already within me.

Authentic power comes from finding balance within; it is not imposed from external authorities.

2. I can (and do) create my life through creative visualization (to a certain extent).

Using the common sense techniques Shakti Gawain outlines in her books, I was able to realize my dream of living in California and becoming a full-time yoga instructor 11 years ago. I do not, however, subscribe to the “Secret.” Reality is reality, and people and objects are not mere pawns in our manifestations.