as a meditation {self portrait challenge} and another invitation
self portrait as a meditation (for self portrait challenge)
Last Friday, I wrote about taking self portraits and how this exercise has invited me to look at myself physically. I also wrote about being inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s article in the August issue of Yoga Journal. She describes a time in her life when she had a daily practice of looking in the mirror at herself to find the beauty. Her beauty. Even though this invites various emotions inside my head and heart, I am going to begin this practice. A daily reflection meditation.
My practice will begin August 1st and continue for at least two months. I know me, and I know how hard it is for me to stick with something that might be a challenge, so I am committing to this today. I am going to check in about it here, each Wednesday, during these two months. And I hope a couple of you will gently hold me accountable as needed.
Over the last few days, some of you have expressed an interest in joining me in this practice. I appreciate that each person may have varying levels of interest, but I feel the need to put this out in the universe:
Will you commit to two months of this reflection meditation with me?
Here are some things to think about if you decide to say yes:
Find a place in your house where you can be alone, just you and a mirror.
Find a time just for you. Let family know you will need a few minutes to yourself.
Turn the ringer off the phone/move it to another room/choose a room without a phone; commit to letting go of the outside world during this time.
You might want to use a small notebook or journal to write down a reflection after you finish the meditation.
There is no time limit or expectation. Some of us may start at 30 seconds, others at 5 minutes; let your heart guide you to figure out what works for you.
I will continue to post ideas and encouragement during the next two months. I want to balance the idea of the importance of community through this experience while honoring the deeply personal practice of this meditation. I believe the community already exists in blog world and participating in something like this, and blogging about it if you like, will only make this community stronger. At this point, I am not going to create a list of participants. However, if you want to, you could email me, and let me know you are joining the meditation. I appreciate that some people may choose not to blog about this but would still like to let me know they will participate, and I would love to be able to check in with you throughout the experience.
Next Monday, I will post a meditation that you can use to get you started with this practice.
I hope some of you will come along on the journey.
Namaste.
mirror meditation, self-portrait in breathe.
Reader Comments (25)
oh, liz, what a beautiful idea. i'm in.
sign me up, beam me up, what have you. this sounds like a wonderful community endeavour.
much love tonight. i love those photos of you.
I, too, loved those photos of you. Then I found myself answering your list of things to think about ... even though they weren't questions. I think that makes me in!
I would love to join too! I have already listend to some of the meditation clips you have posted on your blog.
Ethan looks in the mirror constantly...making faces at himself. I have a mirror just like the one in your picture that he always wants to use. He will just sit on the bathroom floor looking at himself smiling the whole time. I wonder if we all did this as children and then some how started criticizing ourselves instead of seeing beauty (or just having fun)
I send you peace on your journey within.
I've been thinking about your posts about self-image and self-portraits. It's made me realize that I still have those 'issues'. I caught sight of myself today, in a store mirror, and had a moment of dislike. It surprised and bothered me, made me a little sad. For several reasons. I'm not ready to commit to this process yet - too many other things going on inside my mind and soul - but it's going to live in my awareness. I'll be following your journey and meditations.
That's a lovely self-portrait and a fascinating journey you've set for yourself. I'm not going to participate, but I'm sending you good thoughts and looking forward to hearing more.
(I love the wall color in the background of the photo.)
I will join you on this journey with my daughters in tow. I've spent so much time berating myself, highlighting and focusing on the wrong things.
Love you, beautiful girl.
I want to "try" and participate. You know me, I never sit more than 30 minutes and meditate anything....this might be a good start for me to stop and take a look, although, maybe hydrangeas, or the water, or my dogs face might be a better subject ;) miss you!
Okay... so HI! We don't know eachother yet, so I am Georgia. Nice to meet you... and count me in on the meditation thing. I believe I am in need of a little self reflection meditation right about now in my life. Thank you! You have inspired me.
well, i think it goes without saying that i'll be doing this right along side you ;-)
this is a beautiful picture, both the photo and the words that accompany it - love to you, inspiring woman x
I'm not ready for that kind of meditation at this point in my life. I love you for doing it though, and gathering around a community to do it with you. You are awesome Liz.
You are such a leader, Liz. Your self-exploration continues to be an inspiration and your bright spirit continues to shine. You are beautiful.
i'll be holding your hand, staring into my own mirror (did you see my sp for the week?...i've already started...)
now you must promise me something. if along the way you need something from me, from us, your loving community, that you will reach out and let us know exactly what you need (either here or by e-mail). i do want us to hold each other's hands and ask for what we need because i know this challenge will be both emotional and life altering.
Count me in Liz~ This is going to be hard. I dislike starring at myself in the mirror, all the uglies surface and I walk away feeling old, worn out and sad.
But I see the value in reversing that kind of thinking........
I CAN do this!
fluffy love to you~
Darlene xo
Sounds great! Loved your SPC :)
You know I think this is a brilliant idea. I'm in.
I too will join you on this journey.Im In too.
Namaste Liz! I love this idea...what a wonderful, honest and daring idea. I would really like to join you along the way. It's a subject I've struggled with almost all my life, and I'd like to be able to share in the healing along with you.
Sugar pie....I am very happy you have offered to have us join you on this journey.
It feels right for me to join you-I too am in.
Loving you
What a brilliant idea... Wishing you much valued introspection and inner peace as you start this journey! xo
wow... this is such a unique venture. i look forward to your unveilings here. wishing you peaceful reflections. Namaste.
A mirror hides what you do not want to see, and for that reason alone I would want to look into a mirror.
Liz - how did I miss this post??! I'm completely freaked out by the whole idea of this. I mean COMPLETELY FREAKED OUT. I guess that means I have to give it a try doesn't it? So... eep... I am IN.
Hmm... I always find out about these things after they've started!
I'll give it a shot, maybe it will help me remember that I need to make myself, and self-care, a higher (or should I say "less low?" LOL)priority in my life.
Now I just need to find a good mirror! :)
what an amazing concept. I am adding your site to my favorites and will be popping in again.
God Bless you.