Essence · of · Angel

There is nothing more precious than innocence. It is a quality so rare, and a state so fragile that it seems like the wings of a butterfly – once touched it will dissapear into dust. We speak often of the loss of innocence. The first time we burn our fingers, or experience death, our first heartbreak. These things lead to a disillusionment with life, once shown this cruel and ugly side of the world we loose faith in love and beauty and dreams. It is fear that steals our innocence, fear of loss, dissapointment and pain.

However, is it possible to recapture innocence? Once a pure white sheet is stained with blood, will it ever be clean again? It is now we must explore the difference between Innocence and Ignorance. To be Ignorant is to ignore, to pretend the big bad wolf does not exist, to block our ears to suffering and hum a tune so loud we can not hear him howl. It is not good to be ignorant, for one can not hide from life forever, the big bad wolf will find you someday.

What then is Innocence? It quite literally means “not to harm” (in- “not” + nocentem (nom. nocens), prp. of nocere “to harm.”) It does not mean that we have never felt pain or misery, rather that we are not bound to these evil things. To be innocent is to live one’s life in a way that does not cause unhappiness to oneself or others. To be free of all those negative emotions, spite, envy, hatred ~ does this not make us innocent?

Do you see then how easy it is to choose the path of innocence? Once one removes from their heart the thorns of cruelty, there is room once more for the beautiful things in life, for love and wonder and joy. Nobody else can steal your Innocence, for it is yours to create or destroy. The more pure of heart you are, the kinder the world will seem. Others will scoff at this, saying bad things happen to good people, but they have never tried it. Live your life innocently and you will be amoung the most beautiful people in this world.

I want to become a lolita, you say.
So become one, I reply.
What can I do to look like a lolita?
I have no words with which to reply to this.
You need a headdress, don't you? And a pannier.
Is this coordinate strange?
Is it not wrong for lolita?
Why do you want to do lolita?
Because it's trendy, because my friends do it...
If that's the case, you have no right to wear lolita.
If you just do what the others do, you will look like a lolita.
But I want you to think about something.
Who do you live for?
You think you want to be yourself, but you are afraid of isolation.
You yell that you want to be free, but you take comfort in following convention.
When you are praised for something you don't even feel comfortable with, are you really satisfied?
Girls who wear Vivienne Westwood but don't even know the Sex Pistols.
Even when wearing a jersey, a princess is a princess.
My lolita rules are mine alone.
So you are the only one who can find your own lolita rules.
My god and your god are different, aren't they?
There are angels who wear elegant dresses and play tamborines,
But there are also angels wearing armor and carrying swords whose job it is to fight.
I can't answer your question.
But there are a lot of hints all around you.
You just haven't noticed yet.
What you feel is right is your answer.
Sew frills onto the hem of your heart!
Put a tiara on top of your soul!
Have pride.

By Novala Takemoto (GLB 23)
Translated bytheosakakoneko

carrolian

Miniartigo: Lolita

Ser uma Lolita é viver em um mundo de sua própria criação. É recapturar aquele sentimento infantil de deslumbre e alegria com as pequenas e belas coisas da vida e encher seu próprio sonho com elegância e feminilidade. Quando uma Lolita põe um vestido decorado com rendas e laços, amarra uma fita em seus cabelos e calça seus sapatos-boneca, ela está tirando o manto das responsabilidades dos adultos, todos os seus problemas e medos derretem e ela pode sorrir de novo, com uma garotinha, e andar com a primavera em seus passos, tirando prazer da vida, dos aromas florais do jardim, da doce gota de chá sobre sua língua. O grande mundo sujo se torna, outra vez, um País das maravilhas, criado para seu deleite. Quem se importa se as pessoas comuns olham de modo estranho ou viram seus rostos? A Lolita está valsando em um tom diferente, vivendo a vida aqui e agora, ao invés de se preocupar constantemente com o amanhã ou voltar ao passado. A mágica da Lolita é sua habilidade de congelar o tempo, em uma era que nunca existiu, em que todas as garotas são princesas e servem-se de chá e bolo. É crescer como você imaginava quando era uma garotinha, crescendo não em idade, mas em beleza, se apaixonando pelo mundo e olhando com encanto um claro céu azul.

Se tornar uma Lolita, aceitar essa beleza em si mesma, não é tarefa fácil. Uma Lolita deve renunciar seus conceitos do que é `normal' e `esperado' pelos outros, esses falsos pensamentos que a impedem de alcançar seus sonhos e realizar seu próprio mundo de fantasia. O primeiro passo é dizer a si mesma: "O que me faz feliz deve vir em primeiro lugar". Isso não é puro egoísmo; viver só para o prazer dos outros criará uma feiúra interior que consumirá seus sonhos. Seguir sua própria felicidade é uma inspiração para todos, e isso criará alegria por onde quer que você vá. Zombarias se transformarão em inveja quando perceberem que você está em paz consigo e com seu modo de vida. Assim, a Lolita deve quebrar as correntes que a aprisionam a esses falsos conceitos.

Quando aceitar isso, ela irá sentir uma súbita iluminação, como se um grande peso tivesse sido tirado de seus ombros, e agora ela poderá voar, livre do fardo que vinha carregando: `o que pensam de mim?', `o que devo fazer?' serão trocados por `para onde devo voar hoje?'. Esse é o modo de pensar que buscamos.

A natureza de uma Lolita é o escapismo. Mesmo que isso seja sempre mal-entendido, pois implica na escolha por abandonar as responsabilidades dos mortais. Crescer, viver como um cidadão comum completo, com preocupações mundanas e problemas, não é a escolha para quem quer só ver o lado brilhante da vida. Uma Lolita tem também seu lado `Gothic', aquela fascinação com a falsa inocência da infância, o conceito surreal da fatalidade e suas sombras que mesmo as jovens damas carregam. Alguns dias ela pode escolher usar um vestido negro, com crânios e cruzes estampados. Para isso também desafia o ideal comum e enche os desejos obscuros de sua criança interior. Mesmo uma Lolita que prefere um estilo mais `Sweet' pode apreciar isso com um prazer trágico.

Para onde uma Lolita escapa? Para um mundo onde só jovens garotas e bonecas podem viver. Para uma pequena fatia coberta de açúcar da história, um anacronismo no qual pode-se transformar um quarto comum em um grande solar, ou no Palácio de Versailles. Sua vizinhança se torna seu reino, sua cidade, para explorar e aproveitar. Em seu País das Maravilhas, coisas curiosas acontecem, desejos podem ser concedidos e contos de fadas se tornam realidade. Ninguém sabe o que espera ao se dobrar a esquina quando se vê um mundo novo, pelos olhos de uma alegre criança. Não tenha medo de explorar esse estranho novo mundo, que leva muitas páginas de sua própria história de Lolita. Cada Lolita deve encontrar seu lugar e fazer dele belo.
Transformar-se em Lolita é obter o conhecimento da Beleza. Ver a beleza em si mesma e o maravilhoso mundo ao seu redor. O coração de uma Lolita se metamorfoseia, como uma borboleta, no coração de uma bela jovem, dama ou princesa. A donzela de seu próprio conto de fadas.

Children are the greatest appreciators of art, and indeed all forms of Beauty. They can, with purity of mind and joy de vivre gaze apon a thing and smile the smile that says "You are Beautiful and I love you." It needs no explanation. To recapture this wonder, this joy in the glory of our surroundings is not as difficult as it may seem. When one is tired, lost, downbeaten, soul-hungry she should not allow herself to think, but to follow her heart to a source of beauty. Be it a rose garden, a church, an antique shop, an art gallery or simply her own small courtyard or rooftop, here she shall pause to fill herself with the delights of thoughtless beauty. It is impossible to describe, the wonder felt at the opening of the first blooms of spring, therefore do not seek to describe it, just feel it with all your senses, let it flood you with wonder, joy, love. If you are cynical, with your heart closed and a wall of bitter humour protecting you you shall fail this, let go of yourself, surrender to beauty and it shall become you.

She who see's Beauty in life, will becoming beautiful in a way no scar nor years can mark.

there is nothing beautiful in this world,
which can not be broken
nothing precious,
which can not ever be lost.

this is nothing true in this world,
which can not be stolen
nothing real,
which can not be forgot

there is nothing bright in this world,
which can not be tarnished
nothing pure
which can not turn to rust

for true hearts are broken, as pure hope is crushed
and all that is worth loving
shall return to dust.

It may seem but common sense to some, however there are points of ettiquette and posture so seldom taught in this day. For one, how should Lolita walk? For one’s walk displays ones sense of grace, inner serenity and elegance, or lack thereof. Lolita should walk with her back straight, sholders held slightly back, but not so that the chest is overtly exposed. Her chin shall be carried paralell to the ground, neither gazing up nor towards the ground and her calm vision is focused on a point in the distance, so as she niether makes eye contact with others nor seems in any way to stare at a particular thing. To practise this posture, one may try placing a book apon the crown of the head just where it will balance without tremor. In this manner first try walking about the room and then up and down stairs. One will find it impossible without a straight back and level carriage of the head. The arms and hands should always be occupied, either in carrying a purse or parasol when out-of-doors or when inside, a fan and gloves may suffice. If neither is suitable then they should rest gently by one’s side, niether swinging grotesquely or appearing too stiff. It is very unladylike to cross ones arms or place hands on hips. The steps a Lolita takes should be small and graceful, she is never in a hurry but walks confidence. The wieght should be placed on the ball of the foot before the heel, especially when in heeled shoes and steps should be no more than the length of one’s foot apart, preferrably less. When carrying a folded parasol or bag loop the handle over one’s arm and carry it close to the chest. An open parasol should be held in one hand either vertically or balanced over the same shoulder. The grip should be light rather than firm as if one were holding a teacup or weightless object. A small note on decending stairs, it appears more elgant to travel down stairs slightly sideways rather than directly, placing feet at and angle to the stairs. When going up and down stairs, steps should always be taken one at a time.

Sitting with poise, especially in wide skirts, is no small feat. While there are many ways of ‘sitting’ the most appropriate to everyday use is as follows: Gather ones skirts behind with one hand and place the other apon the intened seat. Without looking at the seat swing the body around to sit on it in a graceful, sideways position, about 40 degrees to the seat back. With knees together cross ones ankles beneath the seat, folding one’s hand in the lap.with a little practise this will become natural. In situations where there is not room to accomadate this position, sit forward with a straight back and knees and ankles together. A Lolita does not slouch or fidget in her seat.

Having addressed this we come to the next vital issue, how to talk. This is really much more simple if one is simply midful of what is considered polite conversation, as we live at a time when even the word’s ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ are like rare but beautiful flowers.

The greatest thing any Lolita can do to present herself well is to speak softly. A loud harsh voice is utterly crude and will gain attention only of the wrong sort. It is also to be remembered the silence is as valuable as well chosen words and often equally called for. Lolita takes any opportunity presented to her to say something kind or complimentary about another, but does not go out of her way to flatter.

The expression a Lolita chooses to adopt should be one of closed happiness. That is, she may smile and show her joy at all times but should not do so in a way that may appear vulgar, ie; grinning or smirking, particularly when making eye contact with others. Although one may dress and hold oneself as a Lolita, it is in conversation that the truth is most visible. To all appearances she must be gentle and well mannered, never given to idle gossip or melodrama. Throughout all moods, one’s mask remains the perfect image of innocent beauty.

In the past there was a movement towards the beautifying of everyday things, it was thought ‘why should items be simply practical, when they can be both useful and pleasing to look at?’ this was at the time from whence Lolita draws her inspiration and should thus be considered in her own belongings. Where ugly blinds cover her window she may replace with elegant curtains, both block the light, but which is more beautiful? If Lolita does not have the freedom, and often this is the case, to change her home as she wills, she may instead change the things within it. Surrounding herself with items that exude sweetness, feminity and all that she holds dear will indeed make her feel like a princess, in her own castle surrounded by treasures.

How does the young maiden spend her time? When she is free from the duties we all must suffer does she sit mindlessly in front of computer or television? Rather she partakes of activites that reflect her own sense of aesthetics. If she is clever with her hands she may sew, embroider or enjoy the arts and crafts. Otherwise she may prefer to appreciate the creations of others, good music, suitable reading, even a walk in the park allows appreciation of the beauty nature has to offer.

Thus Lolita must meet her inner child and become one with her. And yet there is more to Lolita then that, the classical Lolita is the young lady who is always correct and proper. She learns the ways of ettiquette and carries herself with an air of elegant sophistication. She too is a maiden, but one who knows that growing up a little certainly doesn’t mean you must be any less pretty.

Let us explore this thought, what is a maiden? According to Jung “The maiden archetype represents purity, innocence, and, in all likelihood, naivete.” The maiden appears in every good fairytale, whether she is a princess, maid or lonely child. It is she that leads us through the tales of fantasy, not charging through as the hero but reflecting all that is beautiful in the world through the mirror of her own innocence. Often it is her pure heart that saves her, at all times she is precious, beautiful and chaste and for this she is loved.

Lolita should re-learn some of these old tales, meet again Alice and her curiosity, Odette the swan princess, Cinderella, Snow white, Sleeping beauty. If she seeks to gain a better understaning there are older versions of these tales, with the darker aspects left in and much more adult in nature. They can be quite as fascinating as their innocent cousins.

The maiden is delicate, but she is not without her power. If she seeks to follow her heart, she need to merely wish on a shooting star, but may seek out the very thing she desires. The step in which Lolita becomes a Maiden is when she follows that shooting star to see where it lands. For there her journey begins.

To become Lolita, to accept this beauty in oneself is no easy task however. A Lolita must surrender her concepts of what is ‘normal’ and ‘expected’ by others, for these false thoughts will hold her back from reaching for her dreams and realising her own fantasy world. The first step then, comes in saying to oneself ‘What makes me happy, must come first.’ This is not pure selfishness, for to live only to the pleasure of others creates an inner ugliness that will consume your dreams, to follow your own happiness is an inspiration to all and will create joy wherever you go. Mockery will turn to envy when they realise you are at peace with your self and way of life. Thus Lolita must break the chains that bind her to these false notions.

When one achieves this, she will feel a sudden lightness, as if a great weight has been lifted from her shoulders and she can now fly, free from the burden she has carried ‘what do they think of me?’ ‘what should I do?’ is replaced by ‘where shall I fly today?’. This is the state of mind we seek.

The nature of Lolita is to escape. However this is often misunderstood, for while one is choosing to abandon the mortal responsibilities; to grow up, to live as a common citizen complete with mundane worries and cares, it is not the choice to only see the bright side of life. Lolita also has her ‘Gothic’ side, that fascination with the false innocence of childhood, the surreal concept of fatality and the shadows that even young maidens cast. Some days she may choose to wear a dress of black, with skulls and crosses as her signature. For this also challenges the common ideal and fulfills the darker wishes of the child within. Even a Lolita who prefers the sweeter style may appreciate these things with a tragic pleasure.

To where does a Lolita escape then? To a world in which only young girls and dolls may live. It is a little slice of sugar-coated history, an anachronism in which she may turn an ordinary room in to a grand manor, or palace of Versailles. Her neighbourhood becomes her kingdom, her city, here for her to explore and enjoy. In this wonderland curious things happen, wishes may be granted and fairytales come true. For one never knows what is just around the corner when they are seeing the world anew, through the eyes of a joyful child. Lolita must not be afraid to explore this strange new world, it holds the very pages of her own story. Every Lolita must find her place and make it beautiful.

To transform into Lolita is to gain an understanding of Beauty. To see the beauty in oneself and the wonderous world about one. The lolita’s heart metamorphoses, like a butterfly, in to that of a beautiful young girl, lady or princess. The maiden of her own fairy tale.

These words are for you, the girl who chooses to dream. May they help you find your wings.