Essence - Total Makeover: Body, Beauty, Spirit

Book by None

Foreword
by Patricia Mignon Hinds

My life has been a quest to learn and grow, in knowledge and in spirit. And there's always room to develop, learn more, and be better. For most of my life, I didn't comprehend the full meaning of taking care of myself. I had always automatically gravitated toward healthful activities and practices, such as sports and exercise, a more natural approach to makeup, and a do-it-at-home-between-touchups less-stress hairdo. But it all caught up to me when my life became so frenzied I stopped playing tennis, and didn't spend quite as much time maintaining my natural bronze. Then I began to value what it takes for everything to run in sync, to work in balance and in harmony. It made me appreciate my mother on a deeper level.

Seemingly effortlessly, my mother always stayed in shape, monitored her eating habits, kept every hair impeccably in place, maintained flawless skin and makeup, and kept an upbeat attitude. I am now more astounded than ever -- wondering how she kept it all together. Growing up, I didn't fully appreciate what efforts it took for my mother to look so good, or what it took for her to take care of herself -- as well as my sister Gail and me. Now I recognize, it's not that easy! My mother Gloria is my inspirational touchstone -- and I want my life to reflect her loving attention, strength, and positive outlook. I know I should think green salad instead of glazed doughnut when those hips start feeling or looking out of control, make sure those elbows have some lotion on them, and keep my mind and spirit in the right direction. It's about keeping the right mindset and planning to live under an overriding philosophy. So even when I go astray, I will get back on track before too long. It all boils down to some basics -- be good to yourself and others, eat right and exercise, and plan for some pampering.

Pampering is about feeling good, taking care, and loving. We all deserve our share, and we shouldn't deprive or neglect ourselves. We must make time to allow ourselves to relax, enjoy, and enhance our lives. Through some simple acts and attention, we can add a spring to our steps, a spark to our souls, find a renewed sense of peaceful serenity. It's amazing what a little fragrance from a jasmine candle will do while soaking in a warm, relaxing bath, or how much more energy we have and fit we feel after just a half-hour of swimming, or how peaceful yet strong we feel after quiet moments of prayer. The value of taking care and honoring ourselves is priceless.

I embraced this project with the passion and excitement that I'd want to feel for anything I have lived and breathed during its creation -- to make it the best -- with meaning, substance, and beauty. This beauty isn't about makeup, but about radiating on the outside a reflection of what's inside. It's about inner as well as outer beauty. The Essence Total Makeover is developed with that in mind -- putting together all the pieces that it takes to be our best. As this book emerged from its cocoon, it's come to embrace, reflect, and celebrate all we are as unique originals. It's about optimal health, happiness, and wholeness -- all we can be to take ourselves to a higher level. It evolved to be both a learning experience and to reflect my pursuit of how I try (with varying degrees of success) to live my life.

I have always been especially interested in keeping informed -- from today's news and technology to ancient Egyptian history. And that's not a stretch when I realize how it all comes together -- learning that many generations ago, our African ancestors tapped nature's resources for some of the same healing and beautifying sources that now have emerged as "breakthroughs." Like Egyptian kohl being used as eye shadow or liner. Or clay, as well as plants like aloe vera, being utilized by various African peoples -- like the Yoruba and Ashanti -- for healing and aesthetic aids. Or the Bororo people of West Africa and people of Kau in the Sudan, two groups of many who use natural colors found in ocher, ground shells, and ash. Or water being revered for its therapeutic, cleansing, and spiritual benefits among many cultures around the world. Some of their wisdom has been tapped to make this book both current and timeless.

Let's look at all the opportunities and possibilities there are for us. When the hair, skin, body, or spirit seems to be breaking down -- and we all know what that means -- let's think makeover time. When we conceive makeover, let's imagine rebirth or rejuvenation in those areas where we can use a little cleansing, fresh approaches, a new breath of life. Let's remember what we can do to become empowered and enlightened. Let's look at some of the steps we can take on our journeys to looking, feeling, and being our greatest and most powerful.