Exercise

GET TO KNOW THE REAL YOU WITH MIRROR GAZING.

Most of the time we only look at our reflections to see whether or not we’re presentable. If we do pause in front of a mirror, it is often to criticize ourselves for the way we look rather than merely to observe what we see. In this mirror-gazing exercise you simply look at yourself naked (yes!) in a mirror for approximately fifteen minutes, in order to learn to accept yourself and develop the same loving relationship with your own body that you wish your lover to have with it. It is important to regard yourself openly, just as you would look at a friend. You may find this hard to do initially or may get drawn into criticizing aspects of yourself you wish were different, but let these thoughts go—and stay open. Gazing at yourself may also awaken memories or feelings of sadness or loneliness. Simply register whatever thoughts or feelings arise. They are all part of the process of getting to know yourself a little better, and it is only by expressing and accepting your feelings that you can begin to know and accept who your are.