Making friends with the mirror can mean making friends with your body and your self.
Abby, like most of the women who visit me and my studio, is not fond of the mirror which tends to activate the inner bully. For this reason I chose to screen the mirror with beautifully colored artistic panels. I believe that part of the journey toward self love is to be able to embrace our bodies through our reflections in the mirror. While I never push this issue, I provide opportunities to make this happen. Sometimes these moments emerge spontaneously, as one did with Abby.
When Abby came to her final class to say good-bye she gave me a beautiful gift.[private_membership circle] Witnessing her dance, eyes closed, embracing her body with hugs and smiles would have been enough for me. She pulled back a screen and began dancing with her self. This was unexpected and beautiful. Her eyes gazed lovingly at her body while she moved. She embraced herself physically and emotionally. If you have ever watched someone look at a baby or partner with love, respect and loyalty, you will know what I observed. There were tears in her eyes. I noticed tears in my eyes. Abby became aware of her beauty; a beauty unrelated to her size, weight or age. She exuded a sincere and loving acceptance of her body and herself.
My wish is that Abby continues to strengthen a loving relationship with her body and her self. Perhaps Abby (and you, dear readers) will develop a practice of “loving mirror reflection”; moving, dancing, being with your body and the mirror with love.
Thank you Abby!
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Robin Okun, LMSW, is a coach, therapist, speaker and Founder of Mindful Movement, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Learn more about Robin at http://www.robinokun.com [/private_membership circle]
