dealing with the image in the mirror

a lot of us have fun house mirrors in our mind. when we look at ourselves in the mirror we see something drastically different from what's really there. no matter what we do, how often we exercise or diet, the old image of ourselves is still there. no matter how many times others tell us we look great, etc. we still think and see ourselves as we use to be, not as we are now.

next time you find yourself in a yoga class don't look in mirror, look into your heart. I know this is easier said then done (I know because I still battle with my self image) but try your best. once you find your balance/stability in the pose, close your eyes. let your body take in all that you are doing. stop worrying if you are doing everything perfect. trust yourself and your body.

don't get me wrong, mirrors can be great tools, but if you are looking beyond what you are doing and are looking at what's wrong with you then they are more of a hindrance then anything else.

we all need to have more compassion with ourselves and with others. but in order to do this we have to understand that we are not perfect and never will be and that this a good thing. this is something that should be celebrated not looked down upon. yes we all have our flaws, but understand that it's these flaws that make us human.

so the next time you are in a yoga class, or are getting ready for the day, or catch a glimpse of your reflection in a window, smile. focus on all the wonderful things about yourself, even if for that moment all you can think of is that your hair looks halfway decent.

the next time you make a mistake, or trip, or make a fool of yourself, stop before you belittle yourself and tell yourself that everyone in the world at one point in time has made a fool of themselves/has made a mistake/has gotten off balance, and more than likely it's been more than a couple of times.

love yourself for who you are, not who you wish you were. if you want to be a few pounds lighter than do so, but don't beat yourself up if you slip up and have a candy bar. be aware of the fact that you did eat a candy bar and maybe spend 5 extra minutes on the treadmill the next day.

understand that 99% of the woman you see in those magazines are airbrushed and the ones with flawless bodies starve themselves and work out 24/7. you might be a few pounds heavier but you are living life.

so stop letting the mirror dictate your self esteem. stick your tongue out at that silly skewed image of yourself, because trust me the rest of the world isn't seeing it.

live life with your eyes wide open…. let your heart lead you…. let love heal…. let compassion be your guide….. namaste'