The Raw Power of Praise

In an inspired move, Shea Glover captured people's change of expression when told they were beautiful at her high school...

Watching her video breaks my heart. There is such a self fulfilling prophesy to feeling beautiful.

It's astonishing that such a simple act --bearing witness to another's beauty-- is disarming enough to unveil each person.

Suddenly, the tenor of the entire encounter shifts and vulnerability is possible. And with vulnerability, true beauty... 

...faces transforms from brittle or blank to supple and responsive. 

Sadly, it's such a task to hang onto our own sense of beauty and worth as we grow and weather the world. I am reminded of two anthems from the summer.