When you look in the mirror



I remember being in a yoga class a few years ago.  I had been attending regularly, so I was feeling strong and capable.  I was rocking the yoga pants and tank top, and even had my own fancy mat.  I felt like a real yogi.

After one particularly satisfying downward dog, I looked up and caught a glimpse in the mirror.  The first person I saw was young and thin.  Her lines were straight and steady.  She looked just like you would expect a yogi to look.

The second person I saw was a less-than-thin, middle aged lady.  Her messy bun was not the cute kind, and her pose looked a little awkward and strained.

I realized with a little surprise that the second lady was me!  In my mind I looked just like the cute younger girl next to me, but the mirror said otherwise.  HA!

I had a choice to make.  Should I let that image discourage me?  Should I use it as evidence that I wasn't as good as the girl next to me?  Should I choose to be embarrassed and stay in the back row next time?

My brain initially said yes!  You should definitely feel dumb and hide!  But I decided that wouldn't help anything.  It wouldn't feel good, and certainly wouldn't drive me to improve myself.

Instead, I decided to keep looking in the mirror, and enhance the image with my own imagination.  I pretended that I looked young and strong and graceful.  And guess what!  I started to feel young and strong and graceful!  I was grateful for the body I had, and felt proud of what I could accomplish.

I kept going to yoga, and often landed in the front row.  I got a little stronger and more graceful each time.

Did you know that you can just choose what you see in the mirror?  You can choose to focus on your flaws, or you can choose to see the things that are amazing about you.  They are both there- weaknesses and strengths.  And whatever we choose to focus on tends to appear larger.  Let me tell you from experience...  it feels so much better to choose to see the good in yourself!  And feeling good leads to doing good.

Here is your double-dog-dare for today:  Next time you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, choose to see something positive.  Keep looking, if you need to, until you can see it.  I promise you it's there!  Maybe give yourself a little wink ;)


Christi

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