The Shame That Lives In The Mirror

There are days when the mirror feels like a silent but looming threat.

When the reflection looking back doesn't feel like a friend.

When our eyes scan for flaws before they search for softness.

Because somewhere along the way we were taught not to trust the image.

We learned to critique before we could admire.

To perfect before we could worship.

To shrink smaller and smaller before we were allowed to expand.

We have inherited a gaze that wasn't ours.

A gaze that told us what bodies should be.

What beauty should mean.

And how worthy should look.

And a quiet shame took root.

Not loud.

Not always obvious.

But there.

In the way we look away quickly.

In the way we avoid our own eyes.

But the truth is you long deeply to love yourself.

And we try with mantras and affirmations.

But the image still stings.

Because loving the body isn't always a straight line.

And shame is clever.

It hides in the way we hold ourselves at a distance.

It hides in the way we tense before we look.

In the way we believe we must earn our softness.

But what if the mirror were a sacred space to meet yourself again?

Not as an object.

But as a beloved.

Now Green One,

I want you to imagine there is a pond or a sacred pool before you.

Where you can rest in the reflection that nature gently hands back to you of your divine being.

A place of remembrance.

Can you see your face?

The gentle movements that all add up to your subtle smile.

You see the tiny movements in the surface of the water.

As your loving breath grazes the pond.

As you are taken aback at witnessing the presence in your own eyes.

Now gently bringing your hand to your heart.

And watching the fluidity of your movement in the reflection of that sacred pond.

Witness your elegance.

And your complexity.

Thank yourself for your courage to look,

To stay,

And to soften the edges of shame.

The next time you pass a mirror and are given the gift of witnessing your reflection.

May it be a gentle reminder of the beautiful being you already are.

Your reflection is not an enemy,

Green One.

It is an invitation.

And you are allowed to be seen.

Especially by yourself.

Take one last breath here.

And let it be full of reverence.

Let it be enough.