Mirror Mirror On The Wall...

“Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.” 

~Ernest Holmes

Did you know that we see ourselves with a magnifying mirror of 10x compared to how others see us? A blemish seems like a large red lesion drawing as much attention as Rudolph’s nose on Christmas Eve, but to others, the same blemish is hardly visible. Since most of us use one (or many!) mirrors everyday, how can we use them as special forces that reward and fulfill us, rather than solely as a tool for critical examination?

 This little exercise that will help you see yourself in a positive light. The process is simple, and may be the first step toward feeling positively beautiful, empowered and joyful.

Take a small sheet of paper or sticky notes. Take the time to come up with list of short, meaningful mantras, quotes or affirmations to support you each day, and tape them to the mirror you use each morning when getting ready. You can also use dry erase markers on your mirror, but do a test spot first, just to make sure. Choose words that are powerful and positive, such as…

* I am beautiful.
* I am confident in myself.
* I am capable and effective in my job.
* I am my own unique self – special, creative and wonderful.
* I am loved and I give love freely.
* I carry joy in my heart.
* I prosper wherever I turn.
* Every cell in my body vibrates with energy and health.

A mantra is a formula or a word with spiritual significance. When repeated, they can become meaningless syllables which can help us to relax. Just repeating a mantra helps us to focus our attention on a single point and eventually reach a state of very deep rest. The regular practice can reduce our irritability and thus the feeling of being stressed, but more importantly is that continued mantra practice will reduce the time of recovery following all kinds of distressing situations. An affirmation or quote can become a mantra.

Inhale deeply for five counts. Exhale out for ten counts, relaxing every part of your body. Repeat these deep breaths three times while consciously relaxing all your muscles from your neck down to your toes. Close your eyes. Concentrate on your breathing as you continue to take another slow, deep breath.
As you repeat your words, keep your eyes closed and visualize images that represent your mantra. For instance, if your mantra is “I am beautiful,” picture yourself when you feel most beautiful…such as giving a work presentation in your sharpest suit, going out to dinner in your favorite dress, or playing joyfully with your kids. Simply focus on an image that embodies the words in your mantra.

While you are preparing yourself to go out in the world, read these mantras and say them to yourself – out loud or within – with as much conviction as you can muster. Keep in mind that you may not believe your them at first, but just keep saying them. Repeat daily, as often as you can, and soon they will sink deep in to your subconscious mind and become rooted! You can also keep a shorter list in your car, affixed to your sun visor, that you can read aloud to yourself while looking in your car mirror before starting the engine. The more you use them, the sooner you will feel their truths and see dramatic shifts in yourself.
This simple exercise doesn’t need to take more than five or ten minutes in the morning. But it can fill you with inner peace and confidence that can last all day long.

Article written by Dr. Susan Mathison
http://positivelybeautiful.com