What Three Weeks Without a Mirror Taught Me

My ego was given a much need reality check when I moved across the country 4 weeks ago. The opportunity that presented itself was so sudden my partner and I didn’t have time to move with everything- so only essentials like books, pictures, French press, were packed and rest of our possessions were passed on to dear friends or sold.

I didn’t realize how much I time I spent in front of a mirror until I didn’t have a mirror readily available for me to use at my new home. Every time I’d pass a mirror at home, at work, and everywhere in between I would take time to look at my physical self. My asana practice was also done in front of a mirror, which was helpful in terms of making sure I was in proper alignment but when my mind was fixated on the outside, I definitely was taking away focus from the my inside.

My three weeks without a mirror me realize how easy it is for the ego to take control of our lives pulling focus away from what really matters. The take over can be so subtle, like time spent in front of a mirror you don’t even notice it’s happening. I’m not saying mirrors are bad and everyone should go and get rid of theirs, in fact I just bought one the other day. What I’m saying is we must try to be mindful in every aspect of life. If you get all dolled up for a dinner party, it’s absolutely OK to check yourself out but don’t spend the whole night in front of the mirror, YOU’LL MISS THE DINNER!

What is important is to find balance in life, work on the inside as much as, if not more than you work on the outside, and be mindful in whatever you do, even if it’s looking at a mirror.

Namaste.