I am relatively sure that most people don’t really love their reflection in the mirror. They notice the flaws that need correction; that bumpy nose or those tiny lines that haven’t been obliterated by using the right moisturizer. The good news is that the image staring back at you is not really all of you. It’s a reflection, a visual echo of your physical being. Not you.
But don’t discount the need to use self-observation just yet. In fact, I encourage you to create your own virtual magic mirror. It can be any style you like – a fancy cheval, a gilt-edged art deco, a magnifier, a pretty little hand held or a giant full-length version. The actual type you choose says a lot about you too. Where you place your magic mirror also provides clues to your acceptance of the contraption. If a mirror is hidden or stashed away, you will not have easy access and must choose to unveil it to see yourself. If the choice of mirror is small, you are only able to focus on the part of you that stares back.
So let’s check out your creation. Stand and stare at yourself in your magic mirror. This view isn’t as much of a true indicator of what the mirror can reflect but your ability to face yourself. Without making any judgements, examine the facial expression, hair style, clothing you are wearing and what is in the background of your vision. Are you able to really look at yourself and where was your focus first drawn to? Start with this image.
What do you want to see in that mirror? It’s reasonable to think that you can make some plans based solely on any changes you might want to make. But what you want to do first is accept, love, appreciate. This face has gotten you to this point and deserves some applause for any hard fought battles you endured. This face has smiled, laughed, cried, winced in pain, stared, envied, and shared its surface with your other emotions. And we know that emotions are just the words your body uses to express its thoughts.
Your new goal is to look in every mirror you pass. This will provide more chances to catch those glimpses of your true self, your sly smile intended only for you and a better understanding of what you are sharing with the world. We are never able to physically ever see a true rendition of ourselves in life because we are relegated to only seeing our own reflections. Everyone else in life gets to really see us. That is just weird.
Constant glances will let us speak to ourselves more. Adjust the sore remarks and focus on the compliments you know you want and need to hear. No one has to ever know how nicely you speak to yourself if you don’t share your sweet thoughts. Longer looking sessions help to find ways to indicate your purpose to others. Widening that smile to fully express kindness makes everyone else return a smile too. Human beings are like that; we copy smiling, maybe because it feels so good, even though you don’t know why you are smiling. Maybe that’s really the best use of that face; focusing on sharing delight helps to move the bumpy parts up into place, gives the eyes some shine and increases the chances of people wondering what you are up to now.
Can your spend enough time looking at yourself to make a difference in your life? Why are we taught not to stare at ourselves? How can your smile make a difference in the world?
