The media is relentless in its demand that we think about aging. Ads for wrinkle creams, hair loss treatments and facelifts remind us that youth and beauty are synonymous and we had better get with the program and do everything we can to disappear all signs of age.
The pressure of this approach to aging is extremely stressful. Every look in the mirror is a reminder that what the media tells us is true. As we examine ourselves for new wrinkles, sags and other imperfections, we are likely to find them. Of course we want to look our best. We just don’t want to buy into the message when we are told that we are getting older and we should want to be looking younger. This is confusing and depressing.
Today let’s take a different look in the mirror. As we practice really being with our true self, we have an opportunity to see the Love that we are. It is more and more important as we age that we ground ourselves in this Truth and stay centered in the awareness that our beauty is related to our loving, high vibration and not to the smoothness of our skin.
Okay, let’s begin…
When I look in the mirror, who is in charge of what I see?
As I catch my reflection in the literal mirror, the ego might like or hate what it sees on any particular occasion.
If I listen to what it tells me, I will let it set the tone for my day. If it is good, I am happy. If it is bad, I am angry or sad. Either way, I am at the effect of the ego.
If, on the other hand, I look at myself through the eyes of my Higher Self, I will see the love and light that I AM and it will make me smile. It will help me to remember that my life is about seeing the love and light in others. Now that is a joyful purpose.
The metaphoric mirror is an even more powerful tool for transformation since absolutely everything it shows me is a reflection mirrored back from a projection out of my own mind.
Everything I see comes from me. How powerful is that? I am the author of my story, the maker of my experience and therefore, I am responsible for my own happiness or misery.
When I can appreciate what is being shown to me, (even if I don’t like it), I can use any and every situation to forgive myself for anything that would cause me to project what I am seeing. Forgiveness creates a precious space for self healing and world peace. The more I don’t like what I see, the greater the opportunity to release judgment. The more I can accept a situation as perfect, the smoother and more grace filled is the growth. Either way, I win.
Affirmation: Today I remember that I AM the image and likeness of God…making me, along with all my brothers and sisters, the fairest of them ALL. I see beauty and magnificence everywhere.
Yes, this will involve an actual mirror.
Have a look.
Sit with yourself and just notice what comes up.
If you know that you are generally critical of yourself, see if you can make a deliberate shift in your consciousness and just observe the critic.
Listen to what it has to say from the great distance of your higher self.
Notice the abuse you give out and take in on a daily basis.
Have your observer be kind to your critic. Yes, I know what you see is upsetting. The lines on your face, the sagging skin, thinning hair…whatever the concern of the day, be kind.
As you look in the mirror, look for the sparkle.
The light that emanates from you…your spiritual light. It is there. It always has been and it always will be.
Smile!
Yes, smile at yourself. Notice the change in your feeling tone and in your appearance. Remember that when you are out in the world, it is your smile people notice. No one is counting your wrinkles. Your smile lights you up. Use it.
Now look in the metaphoric mirror.
What are you seeing in front of you. What is your picture of life today? Are there areas of disturbance? Is there a call for forgiveness?
This would be a time to be thankful for any distress that will give you an opportunity to grow. Always be kind and gentle with yourself.
Nothing is ever your fault.
However, you are totally responsible for your thoughts, actions and feelings.
The older we get the more unforgiveness we may have accumulated. However, the good news is that it is built in to the developmental process of aging that it becomes easier to let go.
So, with your mirror as your guide, choose to release any anger, resentment, disappointment that you might be feeling and rise up to Love!
You can do it because you say so! Express your Love. That is your true nature and it is longing to express as you.
© 2011 Marsha Straubing
Oy, Marshaleh…you are such a mensch. A thousand thanks…keep it coming,bubie!
I love you!
Amazing Marsha!! Thought provoking.
Fantastic, Marsha! I love that you wrote (in so many words) what I live my life by: We are the author, director, producer, and STAR of our own life!
What I’d like to know is how do people who do not have Nam Myoho Renge Kyo (SGI Nichiren Buddhism) in their life, accomplish what you write here:
“If, on the other hand, I look at myself through the eyes of my Higher Self, I will see the love and light that I AM and it will make me smile. It will help me to remember that my life is about seeing the love and light in others…”
Thanks Marsha for this opportunity. What I find extraordinarily serendipitous is that I chanted Nam myoho Renge Kyo 40 years ago when I practiced Nicheren Buddhism. I left that practice after several years for other journeys and teachers, career,children etc., but I just started to chant yesterday because I can’t sleep (I mean really do not sleep!) and I thought that the practice was helpful 40 years ago, why not now. And then I read Cathie Lamm’s comment just this morning and now I know I must be on the right track. I don’t even know where to begin, but I guess I’ll just begin. I will call upon Cathie’ Clue.
Do you practice this form of Buddhism, Marsha?
Love, Judy
Hi Cathie,
I have found many ways to ‘catch the spirit’ and for that I am so grateful. Affirmative prayer, meditation, mindful activities all have the potential to open us to the miracle of the moment. In the NOW all things are possible. Love with a capital L is in the NOW. Sometimes, that moment of awareness seems to come out of the blue. Each way, each one is to be cherished! I am so happy that you found Nam Myoho Renge Kyo as your way into the spaciousness of the All.
Love and abundant Blessings,
Marsha
Beautiful, meaniful and clear words that lead to living in harmony with oneself.
They match the beauty of who you seemed when I met you once at Rebbie’s mediation a few months back. I’m happy to reveal what I had believed true, most certainly is.
Thank you for your inner wisdom.
At first I thought I didn’t have an inner critic,but after observing myself closely for the last few days, I realized it is that part of me that is FURIOUS with my body for letting it’s self be damaged by outside influences. I’ve always been a small, light person,mostly healthy and strong. Until I wasn’t.Then, about 15 years ago, my endorine system went off line, my weight balooned up,every bone and muscle in my body hurt , my teeth got loose in their sockets and my fingers swelled up like sasauges and a couple of finger joints distorted. I am a massage therapist, reflexologist and amature carpenter and artist. So you can imagine what this illness did to my life. I had no insurence, never made above poverty level income, so I took early retirement at 62 just to have something to live on. I have been slowly regaining my health all these years and I’m doing very well, but I now do hear myself being very harsh to my precious body when it doesn’t work quite right or I forget something, or when I look in the mirror, and instead of seeing the slender, agile woman I was, I notice that my core has become a dumpling, even though I have learned to dress so that no one would ever think I was over weight. I have called upon the energy I call ‘The Loving Light’ to help me forgive my body. I surely would not speak this way to someone else.