07/10/2024
Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall - Who's the Fairest of Them All?
Fake It Till You Make It?
By Alan Francis Waugh
We all hold onto beliefs about ourselves with stories that we continue to embody by wearing masks to 'protect us' from our deepest insecurities and fears. The truth-telling mirror, a powerful spiritual tool, helps us break through the lies and delusions, offering us a reflection of our authentic truth.
At its core, the truth-telling mirror represents an opportunity to develop honesty with ourselves. When we look into this mirror, we are asked to set aside the filters we often use to see ourselves — filters shaped by societal ideals or personal insecurities. The mirror challenges observers to confront aspects of themselves that are frequently overlooked or intentionally ignored, thus acting as catalysts for soul-searching.
When we gaze into the truth-telling mirror, we aren't merely seeing our physical reflections—we're facing the patterns and beliefs that distort our inner vision. The mirror reflects our true nature, calling us to recognize ways we've been dishonest with ourselves. Whether it’s the belief that we're not good enough, that we’re unworthy of love, or, that we need to be something we're not, these internal lies cloud our ability to live freely and to our full potential.
So, how do you invite the Truth-Telling Mirror into your life? It begins with intention and a willingness to be vulnerable. A simple powerful exercise is to sit quietly in front of an actual mirror, gaze into your own eyes, and ask yourself, “What truth am I not willing to see?”
The mirror can be a mirror you usually use (I find a hand-held mirror that frames your face is most powerful). Take regular opportunities to look at yourself in a new way, with absolute honesty. Look through, rather than look at. See deeper into yourself. Allow whatever arises to come forward without judgment. Sometimes, the answers come quickly; other times, they emerge gradually over time. Don’t rush.
You can continue by asking probing questions to your mirror image such as:
How do you feel about me?
How do you want me to honor my needs?
What do you need from me to feel more loved?
How have I failed you?
What is the biggest lie you keep telling yourself?
I recommend that you also do this exercise at night, under the playful light of just a candle. The rhythmically pulsing light can help to expand your consciousness. You may notice your face changing; it may reveal an alter ego. Don’t forget to breathe.
In Lewis Carroll’s book, Through the Looking Glass, the mirror acts as a gateway to an alternate reality, inviting Alice — and, by extension, the reader — to question the nature of reality itself.
The mirror remains a universal symbol of introspection, honesty, and the quest for authenticity. In its reflection, literally and metaphorically, lies the universal truth of our existence and our ongoing journey towards understanding it.
Mirror Work Exercise on page 196 in my book Alchemical Ayahuasca, expands on this exercise with some deepening questions for developing more self-intimacy and self-love.
