When we look in the mirror, what do we actually see? It might seem like we’re looking at ourselves, but can we truly see ourselves? What we’re seeing is our reflection, a reversed image in the mirror, which gives us a somewhat distorted view.
From a deeper perspective, we might struggle to see ourselves clearly because we often look through the lens of limiting beliefs. But that’s not who we truly are, and it results in a distorted image.
We’ve forgotten to see ourselves as beautiful and pure, loving and perfect in our innermost being. Because that’s who we all (already) are, deep down!
What do you see? Can you view yourself as beautiful and perfect, in all the most vibrant colours, exactly as everything is meant to be?
Chances are, that’s not always easy. It’s something we all struggle with, perhaps even unconsciously. The question then becomes: how honestly do you dare to look at yourself? Can you see yourself fully and love every bit of who you are, unconditionally? Do you allow yourself to be loving, or do you sometimes prefer to hide away (a part of) yourself? These are thought-provoking questions worth pondering.
Somewhere consciously, and often unconsciously, we all tend to hide parts of ourselves away. Yet, what we’d rather not face inevitably rises to the surface.
This is reflected in the image of ourselves that we think we see, as well as through the events, situations, and people around us. Our outer world mirrors our inner world. You can (start to) view everything in your life as a mirror. Everyone you encounter along your path reflects something within you and can also serve as a mirror for you.
I used to be quite skilled at hiding away the wounds of trauma that had left scars. Yet, I kept finding myself mirrored in patterns and aspects of myself that I preferred not to face, and that I simultaneously kept in place.
In relationships, I continually fell into the same (trap) pit. Time and again, I ventured onto the path of love, only to find myself in uncomfortable situations where I sought connection, yet the other person turned out to be (emotionally) unavailable in various ways. In response, I would adapt and completely lose myself in the energy of that person. By failing to set clear boundaries, I had become accustomed to sidelining myself.
These experiences always had the same underlying tone: I was actually keeping a meaningful connection at arm’s length. After all, I wasn’t fully connected to myself either.
Although this can be painful, these experiences offer us the opportunity to look inward and see the valuable lessons they can provide.
It all starts with being honest and loving towards ourselves. We all carry wounds and may have stored away old traumas. We often listen to a critical voice within us that judges us in many ways, not just when we look in the mirror, and that’s perfectly normal. The art lies in being able to look at ourselves—and others—from a different perspective despite this inner dialogue.
Awareness helps us with that.
The more aware you become of the thoughts, beliefs, and stories that hold you back, the better you can see yourself, and the truth behind the truth.
Don Miguel Ruiz writes about this in his book ‘The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom’ and offers a beautiful example. He tells the story of a person, just like you and me, who felt deep in their heart that there must be more to life. One night, they had a clear vision that we—all of us—are made of light and stars, and that everything is interconnected. Yet, at the same time, we have all forgotten this truth. He calls himself The Foggy Mirror.
‘Everyone is a mirror’, he said. He saw himself in everyone, but no one recognised themselves in him. He remarked, ‘I am the Foggy Mirror because in each of you, I see myself, yet we don’t recognise each other due to the smoke that lies between us’. This smoke prevents us from seeing ourselves and each other for who we truly are.
The smoke represents the limiting beliefs and the stories we’ve come to believe about ourselves. However, there is a deeper essence where we can find our true selves.
And the mirror—that is you.
“Live to Love”
With Love, Amy
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