The Mirror

Developing Self-Awareness

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“Wisdom is gained through pain and reflection”. Aeschylus

We rarely prioritise awareness of ourselves as there is either too much to ‘do’ or because it takes time and effort and can sometimes be uncomfortable. However, the rewards are great and can help us to understand so much more about how we are in the world and how others respond to us.

Exercise

  1. Go and stand in front of a mirror.

  2. To begin with don’t look at yourself, just be aware of your posture. How are you standing? Where is the weight (forward, backward or to one side?)

  3. Now be aware of your breathing? Is it short or long?

  4. Be aware of your feeling (happy, angry, sad, scared).

  5. Then gently look at your feet in the mirror. What do you notice? How would you describe them?

  6. Then very slowly move up your body – notice what attracts your attention.

  7. Then finally look into your face and notice every detail as though you had to describe it to someone who had never met you.

  8. Look into your eyes for 2 minutes.

  9. Then notice your attitude. Soften it. Look at yourself with gentle acceptance. Be.

Make some notes about your experience.

Questions

  1. When are you most self-aware?

  2. What normally attracts your attention, is it your thoughts, a feeling or an oft-repeated behaviour pattern?

  3. When are you least self-aware?

  4. What stops you from being self-aware?