“The degree to which a person can grow is directly proportional to the amount of truth they can accept about themselves without running away.” ― Leland Val Van De Wall

Looking in the mirror and accepting our truth is not like ripping off a bandaid and seeing the gore.  It is complex, subtle and varied.  Even the way in which we look is revealing.  Take a look at these types of truth mirror gazing, and see which ones reflect you.     

First, I need to pump up my courage (so I have the strength to see my flaws).   It’s so easy to convince ourselves that looking at our truths is the same as looking at our flaws.  But this is a distorted view in the mirror.  Looking at our truths doesn’t mean being strong enough to reach for perfection.  You are already perfectly ok.  To see your whole, big-picture self, you can’t let your eyes woosh past those parts of yourself that are already perfectly fine and awesomely ok.      

First, let me grab some self-help books and motivational podcasts.   Looking at our truths doesn’t always require moving and shaking.  In fact, getting ready to produce a new you is not productive at all.  That is simply focussing on some final product.  Today’s truth gazing may require you to do absolutely nothing.  Just look.  Can you do that? 

I’ll look in the mirror when I have the time to take a good, long look.  This type of mirror gazing hints that there are people out there who have discretionary time, but unfortunately you are not one of them.  If you had the kind of time that they have, you would spend it wisely and take a good, long look at those truths.  But really, this is fear talking.  You don’t really have it better or worse than anyone else.  You are you. And you are ready enough.  

I’m ready, but I find myself glancing back to make sure no one is watching. Looking at our truths cannot be a solo and silent affair.  We can’t quietly journal our truths, and then keep them safe and tucked in.  We can’t be both truthful and silent.  We need to name our truths out loud and share the mirror space.  You are not alone. 

Yoga says that in order to be ready to see our truths, we first need to see through the truths of life, satya.  

1. You are not alone.  You are watched after, cared for and loved.  

2. Life is not stacked up against you.  Oh yes, life is full of waves, but you are right here in the same ocean as us.  

3. Your perfect self is not something to reach for, but something to reach inside for.  Ok, maybe you need a good spit-washing, but your perfectly OK self is already here. 

Ok.  Are you ready to look in the mirror now?

Until next time,

Laura