When You Look in the Mirror

How and when do you look in the mirror? When you look in the mirror, what do you see? What is on your mind and in your heart?

Recently, I have enjoyed reviewing several affirmations that encourage me to look in the mirror and hold specific thoughts or intentions.

Most of the time when I look in a mirror it is simply for practical reasons. Maybe it is to trim my beard. Or maybe it is while I’m brushing my teeth. (I have a toothbrushing mindfulness practice I can tell you about. Leave a comment or email me.)

There’s generally some urgency. Just get (Zoom) ready, quickly, and make sure there is no “broccoli” in my teeth or wild hairs anywhere. (At 52 that can definitely require a good second look.)

So, when these “look in the mirror” affirmations come up, I do try to pay attention. Take some extra time. This is when I’m reminded that 1 minute can make a difference and can seem like forever.

1 minute can make a difference and can seem like forever.

It really depends on the story I’m telling myself in the moment. This week, during Heart Month and Valentine’s Day festivities, images of hearts have been, everywhere.

When a mindfulness practice encouraged looking in the mirror and expressing gratitude for my beating heart, I thought, “Ok, I’ve got this!” So to the mirror I go!

Wow! This was a disruption to the morning routine. I’ll spare you the (flossing and grooming) details. But I’ll say it was a good exercise in noticing!

I placed my hand on my heart… And before I could bring my mind and feelings there, my mind wanted to get back to my routine.

My mind (and ego) also wanted to begin a bit of a critique. All the normal things, the (bags under the) eyes, the (gray and thinning) hair, the wrinkles, etc. You get the 52 year old story. I’m sure you have your own.

Ultimately I did get to a point of sincere gratitude for the anatomy and physiology of my heart and cardiovascular system. Again, I realized that a minute was really a long time to give attention to this point of gratitude.

So I’ll ask again, what are you seeing and what are you thinking when you look in the mirror?

Give yourself that second glance that you would when you see someone that you are attracted to. Think and feel as much compassion as you would for a dear friend or for a stranger in a difficult situation. Find your gratitude about something you see.

As a friend reminded me recently, “The world needs more YOU,” exactly the way you are.

Have a great and grateful Happy New Day!