As I look in the mirror, I sometimes wonder, who is the person staring back at me? Have you ever felt that way? Mirror gazing may help us see the different sides of ourselves, including those that others don’t. And at other times, the reflection we see is not even recognizable. Looking at ourselves in the mirror can be emotionally draining. Sometimes so much so, that we even avoid looking at ourselves at all. Learning how to face your own reflection will help you see yourself for who you really are, inside and out. This makes you more comfortable in your own skin, it helps you accept your perceived flaws, and confirms you are only human.
Why Do I Avoid Looking At Myself In The Mirror?
Our own reflection can trigger a range of unpleasant feelings when we are struggling with our mental health. The causes can be vast, but at the end of the day, we avoid ourselves because we aren’t ready to face ourselves or our problems. But if you can’t be comfortable with yourself, how do you expect to be comfortable with anyone else?
To focus your attention on yourself is hard, and even intimidating. At the same time, once you can overcome your awkwardness, you can experience a moment of intimacy with yourself and a positive shift in your mindset. Take that step and take a hard look. I was skeptical at first and struggled when I first tried it. I have always found it hard to look at myself, even in pictures. I’m still working on it, but I have already started to see a positive shift by doing the exercise with intentionality. As humans we all want to be seen and understood. Through this tool, I am starting to see myself and my own worth, without needing others to do it for me.
What If I Don’t Recognize Myself?
The person staring back at you may appear like a complete stranger. This is also the case if this is the first time in a long time, or ever for that matter, that you truly look at yourself in the mirror.
Sometimes our physical appearance is not the same as what we thought we look like. It can be pleasantly favourable when you can see past any otherwise perceived physical flaws and see your natural beauty. But it can be devastating when we don’t see what we want to see. If that is the case, you need to figure out if your thoughts are based on fact, or if your own standards not being met. Take this as an opportunity to implement a positive change in your life to get the results you are looking for.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you can’t see your own beauty, you most likely are judging yourself on others’ standards. You need to stop caring what others think. Embrace your uniqueness, it’s what makes you special, it makes you you. Once you experience a shift in seeing your body in a positive light, you will be more comfortable around others. This leads to improved interactions and well-being.
Mirror Gazing – A Portal To Your Mind
Looking in the mirror goes beyond the physical. If you stand in front of the mirror and look past the physical, you can sometimes get clarity on your thoughts. The harder this exercise, the more likely you need to do it. If something is troubling you, sometimes talking to yourself in the mirror can help you find the answers you need.
If you did or said something that you regret, does the person looking back at you throw that in your face each time you see yourself? This could be your subconscious trying to get you to rectify the situation. This could be because you feel guilty or know you were in the wrong. Your inner critic could also be amplified, surfacing negative self-talk. If the person staring back at you asks how you got to where you are in life, it could also be that you feel lost or are unsure of where your life is going.
Any thoughts and feelings that surface during mirror gazing shouldn’t scare you. Use them as impetus to focus your energy on more self-reflection to set new goals, or reset if you got off track. Our lives are busy, it is easy to get derailed. Additionally, the more you mirror gaze, the more comfortable you will be at communicating your needs with others because you understand yourself better.
Look in the mirror and say,
“I love you”.
Mirror gazing is not for everyone, but it can be a great tool to support your mental health journey. When the image of ourselves we have in our head matches what reflects back to us in the mirror, we are in better balance. When the images conflict, that is when it becomes a trigger. Learning to be comfortable with your own reflection is a good step in strengthening your inner self. If you are letting others beliefs and values impact your own perception of yourself, you need to stop. Spend a few minutes a day to try mirror gazing. Similar to meditation, results will come in due time if you give it an honest try. Leave any negative thoughts or feelings behind that reflective surface, don’t embody or ruminate on them. Dedicating time for self-awareness will lead to more self-compassion, understanding, and love.
IMAGE CREDIT: Unsplash | Gabriel Silverio.