Mirror Work for Cultivating Self-Love

Mirror Work is a practice of intentionally gazing at yourself in the mirror and speaking loving, kind and positive affirmations, such as "I love myself," "I am abundant," and "My life loves me." The term "Mirror Work" was coined and popularized by the motivational author and self-healing tour de force Louise Hay, founder of Hay House, and author of the book Mirror Work: 21 Days to Heal Your Life.

But can it heal your whole life?!

Though it may seem corny or difficult to do at first (hence mirror WORK), each repetition helps you overcome your inner critic and plants the seeds of the habits of self-love, self-compassion, self-esteem, self-acceptance, and self-awareness, which are critical emotional regulation strategies. Like any practice, the more you do it, the easier and more powerful it becomes. According to Hay, self-love is the only strategy for healing EVERY problem. And all it takes is you, a mirror, and a journal and pen. What have you got to lose?

How do I get started? There is no "wrong" way to do mirror work if you're looking in the mirror and being kind to yourself. If you would like to evolve it as a practice though, try this:

• Set a timer to do your mirror work. Start with one minute, or even 30 seconds every day. Over time, you may increase to 5 or even 10 minutes a day.
• Stand in front of your mirror (or hold it in front of you) and look at yourself with compassion.
• Choose affirmations that are meaningful to you. Some of Louise Hay's greatest hits include:
• My life loves me./ I love my life.
• I am willing to change.
• I love who I am.
• Click for the daily affirmation on LouiseHay.com
• Do it every day, even when it feels weird or you feel resistance. Keep going!
• Ready to go next level? Get undressed and practice your mirror work gazing at your full, naked self. Let's go! 

You probably already look in the mirror every day, so why not do it with love and spare yourself the whippings? Anything you do is a lot easier if you're not being whipped while doing it, so there's really no reason not to. Discover the beautiful friend waiting to speak words of love to you on the other side of the glass!