How do you see yourself? When you look in the mirror, are you focused on the exterior – your hair, your skin, your eyes, your entire body – or are you focused on your interior?
One of my favorite quotes comes from one of my greatest teachers, Dr. Wayne Dyer. In his book Wishes Fulfilled (a must-read!), he says, “We are all spiritual beings having a human experience.” In other words, our bodies are a container for our inner guide. Our bodies are temporary and our inner guide (our spirit) is infinite. Kinda crazy to wrap our heads around, huh? Think about it, though. We shed hair follicles and skin cells daily. Our body is always changing in some form. Yet, our inner guide – our host of love – is never changing. It will always be love and it will always be our authentic truth. When we focus on the outside stuff (food, exercise, etc.), we put a shade of fear over our inner guide, blocking its light.
Three years ago, I believed that beauty was something outside of my inner guide. I believed that beauty meant my hair was blonder, my body was thinner, and I wore whatever was trending in the latest issue of Vogue. If I conformed, I believed I would be more beautiful.
Now, when I think of what I see, I honestly get t a little “whishy-washy,” in the words of Frosty the Snowman. 
The idea of conforming to an ideal or following a trend to be beautiful is literally insane to me because I know it is an ego-based thought, not a loving-based thought. When I think of doing something, wearing something, or eating something that is not in alignment with my authentic truth, I literally become disgusted. That’s recovery; and that’s something I’m damn proud of.
While studying A Course in Miracles last week, I came across this passage that made my eyes well up with tears. I couldn’t wait to share it with you!
“The ego [fear] regards the body as its home, and tries to satisfy itself through the body.”
The ego speaks loudly because it has to speak loudly to be heard. It starts in your head, and then it will sneak its way into your body, therefore manifesting itself through bodily functions: under-eating, overeating, stress eating, chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and tension in the body, etc.
Let’s break it down and relate this to food addiction. The ego says, “the problem” is that you’re not thin (good) enough and then convinces you to use food and/or exercise to “fix” the “problem.” The real deal here is “the problem” that the ego convinced you of (i.e. “I’m not thin enough”) is an illusion to begin with. So, when we buy into that illusion by consuming ourselves with those outside sources, we literally run ourselves into a circle of illusions.
What you see is what you get. If you see an illusion, you get an illusion-based life. If you see love, you will live a life filled with so much love. In order to live a life filled with love, you gotta choose to see love .. then you can see it.
Once we recognize this and own that we’ve been focusing most of our attention on the outside stuff, we can work towards changing our perception. We just have to get down ‘n dirty with our soulful self! If you make the decision to choose see love, you will live a life filled with love and miracles.
Work It
Today, when you look in the mirror, notice the first thought that comes to your mind. If it is a ego-based (fearful) thought focusing on your hips, thighs, arms, face, or whatever, try to look in the mirror at yourself, gently smile, and say, “I am love.” You are literally telling yourself that you are your inner guide…which is your authentic truth.
This is what I have been doing for the past year and, let me tell you, it has been one of the greatest gifts I could give myself. It’s another one of my re-calibration tools. At first, it might feel uncomfortable – and that’s totally normal. Did you ride a bike in three days? No. You’ve probably trained your brain to think ego-based thoughts most of your life. This will not happen overnight – but it will happen with time. Now, work it! I believe in you.
Stay lovely,
Heather
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Tomorrow is the start of our May Cause Miracles virtual book club! We’ll start reading it on Wednesday. Tomorrow, we’re going to get honest and share our desires and intentions behind reading this amazing book. I can’t wait to go on this journey together! If you haven’t signed up for the newsletter yet, you still can! Click here to subscribe! There’s a lot of super impactful stuff there you’re not going to see on the blog. Do it up!
These are such great words of wisdom Heather. This has been and still is my biggest struggle. I tend to see myself only externally and always come back to focusing on my weight and that is just not any way to live. I am so much more than my weight and I thank you for this reminder. I am so excited to delve more into this thought of banishing my fear and am going to start with your tip of looking in the mirror
Your honesty is GORGEOUS, Danielle! Can’t wait to take this journey with you!!!
Great post Heather, really resonated with me and the quote is one to always remember.
Thanks so much for spreading the love, Michelle! You’re just wonderful.
Lovely message again Heather! Ever since you introduced me to Gabby, I’ve really been working on recognizing my fears, accepting them, and then shifting them by choosing love. Fears are just lies we tell ourselves to “protect” us. Since I’ve been doing this, and practicing meditation (my weekly yoga helps), my mindset has improved x 10000!
Yay!!! Way to rock your soul, girl.
awesome post girl!! just want I needed to read today
I am working on getting more confidence as I look in the mirror. I am learning to really see me for me!
Beautiful. Mission accomplished!
When you sent me that quote the other day my heart skipped a beat. I thought of it this morning as I meditated!
PERFECT!
this is beautiful…your post lately have been incredibly touching, thanks a billion!
So happy to hear this, sister! Sending you so much love. <3
What a great post Heather. I acknowledge that my ego speaks very loudly from time to time. I try to get over the thoughts “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do this”. I know it’s not true but it’s tough not to listen to that voice. I’m trying my best to choose love every day. It’s been inspirational to read your posts about your spiritual journey, you rock! Today my Yogi Tea gave me some wise words: “No ego, no problems.” “See the goodness in the heart.” Somehow those quotes reminded me of your thoughtful posts.
It’s definitely tough! You have been choosing to listen to your ego for a long time. And how could you have known any better? Stay strong, stay open, stay honest. You’ve got this!
Wow! I literally am almost in tears reading this as it comes at the most perfect time for me. As apart of my recovery I had a exercise to do today which involved me recording every time I viewed my self (in the mirror, reflections, looking etc) and the thoughts involved. It was so overwhelming to realise how much I do check my body and the negative thoughts associated. I always focus on the exterior. I’m really going to try and not let the ego convince me, instead do as you say and smile and say I am love
Thank you for your ongoing wise words! <3
That is a miracle, Melanie! You are doing the work and are being led to everything that will serve you in your recovery. Sending so much love your way!
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