What if you could look in the mirror and feel completely happy, content and comfortable with what you saw staring back at you?

If you already do, that’s great. Read no further.

But if you find yourself looking in the mirror and criticizing yourself, or avoiding mirrors all together, you are not alone.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, approximately 91% of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to change their form by dieting.

Even though we know that every body is different, for some reason, people have a hard time accepting their unique form as being beautiful.

For most of us, when we look in the mirror, we don’t see a supermodel staring back at us. Most likely, a critical eye begins to dart around our reflection searching for flaws and imperfections that should be changed or improved.

I’ve heard women wish for thigh gaps, longer legs, flatter tummies, perkier breasts and better hair. I’ve heard men yearn for washboard abs, less body hair and bigger biceps.

But wouldn’t it be more powerful to train ourselves to love what we see? Lori Deschene said,

“We can’t hate ourselves into a version of ourselves we can love.”

The truth is, no matter when you look in the mirror, what you see is a reflection of the present moment. Sure, you might be working towards a goal, but when you face your reflection, it’s an opportunity to praise what you see rather than punish yourself for not being what you want to become.

It might take time, but it’s worth the practice because a healthy self-esteem is one of the greatest qualities a person can posses.

Here are three tips to help you fall in love with your reflection:

1. Make Eye Contact with Yourself:

Before you start looking around for parts of yourself to criticize, look directly into your own eyes. Take a moment to connect with something deeper than your physical appearance.

Try to connect to the part of you that is eternal and formless.

2. See Yourself as Whole

Rather than seeing yourself in pieces, practice broadening your perspective to see your entire form all at once. Resist the desire to nit pick.

Instead, think about how amazing it is that your body serves as the vehicle for you to move around the world and achieve numerous goals.

3. Flirt with Your Reflection

Try stepping back and admiring yourself playfully. Have the courage to be confident and give yourself a well deserved compliment. You might even try smiling or winking at yourself.

It might feel unnatural at first but eventually it could be fun.

In the end, when we connect to something deeper, we see ourselves as whole. We should try to be more playful with our reflections, not only will it change how we see ourselves but it will also affect the way people see us.

 

Author: Gigi Yogini

Editor: Emma Ruffin

Photo: Author’s Own