Why do we look at ourselves in the mirror so frequently throughout the day?
Like, we just saw ourselves 10 minutes ago after getting out of the shower… why must we check our appearance again after getting dressed? And again after getting into the car? And again after getting to work? And again in the store mirror? And again and again and again…?
Maybe it’s because we know things change—and can change rather quickly and unexpectedly.
Like, what if we got a piece of food stuck in our teeth? Or our hair got messed up? Or our clothing malfunctioned and a little more skin was showing than we intended?
…I’d be lying if I said I didn’t check for these things throughout the day.
…And there’s nothing wrong with this.
My followup question however, is how often do you check the mirrors that reflect your inner state?
People are much more likely to mention a piece of food stuck in your teeth or hair standing up or a wardrobe malfunction than they might be to mention a sour mood, an unusually short temper, or a judgment malfunction…
People can help us with our outer reflection, but our inner reflection is mostly on us to check-in with.
…Which we do by meditating, reflecting, writing, and mindfully walking or conversing.
If this isn’t already a part of your day, maybe it’s time to make it a part of it. And, like physical mirror check-ins, maybe it don’t have to be so formal… after all, “look in the mirror” probably isn’t blocked into your days… yet you do it all the time.
…What if you did the same with your inner mirror?