Did you notice the mirror here? When was the last time you took a long, luscious look in the mirror?
Recently I stumbled upon the term “mirror fast” while surfing the net and reading articles about body image. A “mirror fast” is when a person abstains from looking in the mirror for a period of time to curb judging him/herself too harshly.
You know those moments when we look in the mirror and decide what is too big or too small or too flat or too round or too wrinkled, too dark, too light, too… The list is endless.
It’s important to take a break from the mirror especially for those who have struggled with weight, body image, and eating disorders. But at times, we also need the balance and blessing of a “mirror feast.”
Yes, I said a “mirror feast.” You know those moments when you allow yourself to completely indulge and savor. And no, I am not talking about Thanksgiving festivities with all its goodies and gourmet.
I’m talking about feasting your eyes upon the beauty and lusciousness of you.
When was the last time you looked at your hands and/or feet and gave thanks for all the hard work they do on your behalf even without a decent massage or anointing of aromatic oil?
When was the last time you wrapped your arms around yourself grateful for the spontaneous magic that is your immune system or organs that work diligently on your behalf even in your sleep?
When was the last time that you gazed in the mirror without assessing what you don’t like to simply marvel at the wonder of you like a child staring in the mirror for the first time?
Our bodies are continually changing and diligently functioning without our appreciation far too often. So…
I challenge you to do a “mirror feast!” Yep, and I plan to do one myself! Here’s the plan:
1) Create some time to spend in the mirror looking at yourself when no one else is home or at least when you will be completely undisturbed for at least 15 minutes.
2) Observe your thoughts, your breath pattern and feelings while before the mirror. Don’t try to change anything. Just listen and observe.
3) Stay in the mirror until your mind is quiet, blank, relaxed. Take the moment to just be…
4) Observe how you feel, what you see, and make note of it.
It may take a few tries before you can get to that quiet mind space to soak up your reflection and savor it. That’s completely okay.
If you are hesitant about the exercise, try looking at your favorite part of your body. Maybe it’s your elbow or navel or your chin. Take the time to think about what your body would be like without it and be grateful for it.
Bless yourself in your own special, personal way!
For those of you who are gutsy enough, follow the same steps above in a full-length mirror without a strip on. Yes, I said butt-naked!
How long can you stand it? Can you manage to stay there long enough to smile, laugh, cry and maybe fall in love with yourself all over again?
Before we erase those extra pounds, dye that hair, rub the creams, hit the gym, etc., we must love and bless ourselves right where we are. That way we can be loving in our transformations instead of fearful or overly critical.
Of course, the more we love and appreciate ourselves unconditionally, the easier it is for others to love and appreciate us because we set the example for how we need to be treated and handled. It also makes the journey much more enjoyable!
So how about it? Are you in need of some of your own attention?
I posted some fun “body-image” poems for your pleasure (and entertainment)! It’s my way of celebrating myself and encouraging you to do the same! Let me know what you think.
By the way, I am buying a full length mirror tomorrow to have my Godiva celebration this week.
How about you? I look forward to hearing from you!
As always,
Be Joyful,
Be Creative,
Be Inspired,
Tamara