Article July 19, 1999 Issue

Worried about how you look?

Shed unnecessary thoughts about your body. Spirituality is the beauty secret.

By Candace Du Mars

Summer invitations that end with "just wear shorts" or "bring your swimming suit" can be distressing for people who prefer the cover of long sleeves and the layered look. Preoccupation with one's body image or worry about how one looks, however, isn't just related to hiding those few extra pounds. It creeps into one's perception of beauty, athletic prowess, health, fitness, even age.

There is a way out of the self-absorption or fear that keeps thought focused on the body.