Mastering Mirror Work for Self-Love

By Nichola English.

I first came across this method years ago during my self-love reflection journey. I found it to be an effective empowering technique that I then added to my client’s self-discovery toolbox. I’m sure you’ve all read or discovered Louise Hay, with books such as ‘You can heal Your own Life’ and ‘Power within You’. She was also the pioneer of mirror work; it was her signature method for teaching you how to cultivate a deeper relationship with yourself and others by using a mirror to meet your authentic self using powerful affirmations.

I do not doubt that self-love is an opening to a truly magical place of nourishing your mind, body, and Soul. It’s a journey of self-discovery with an end destination of loving who you are without limits, and mirror work most certainly helps you arrive there.

What precisely is Mirror Work? And Why should you use this method?

Firstly, it’s all about the Mirror. Stand in front of a mirror, looking softly straight into your own eyes using positive affirmations, which are messages to your subconscious to create a sense of inner confidence, peace, and self-love. Unlike many routes to internal growth, you don’t need to invest copious amounts of money or even your time to use this approach.

Please don’t underestimate this straightforward method. If you keep practising this technique, old beliefs you once held as if your day-to-day life depended on them will be released, and you’ll create new, more fulfilling ones that support who you are right now.

“The most powerful affirmations are those you say aloud when you are in front of your mirror” 

Why?

Because the mirror reflects back to you the feelings you have about yourself, it makes you immediately aware of where there is resistance and where you are open and flowing. It clearly shows you the thoughts you need to change if you want to have a joyous, fulfilling life.

As you lean into mirror work, you will become much more self-aware. You will learn to take care of yourself on a deeper level than you have done before. - Louise Hay

You can use Louise Hays 21-day version of mirror work, or if you prefer, tailor it to suit your own needs. Here are some critical aspects of creating your mirror tool kit to get you started:

• Use self-affirming affirmations that feel authentic to you.
• Dedicate at least 2-5 minutes every day. Do this in private, so you aren’t disturbed and choose a time that suits your lifestyle. I prefer mornings as it’s a fantastic way to start my day.
• Get emotional if you feel you need to. Go with the flow of whatever comes up.
• Have a journal ready to document your thoughts, feelings and any changes you notice as you go.

Let’s get started with a quick guide to becoming a badass mirror worker!

It’s Mirror time.

Use any mirror in your bedroom, bathroom or use a handheld one, whichever feels comfortable to use. Make sure you aren’t disturbed. It takes 2-5 minutes daily to do. Try to ground yourself before starting the process by doing a quick breathing exercise.

Hold that eye contact.

Like most people, I’m sure you’ll have a sense of discomfort initially. It might even trigger signs or old negative patterns as it can expose that pesky inner critic. Be kind during the practice and try not to judge yourself; instead, simply observe. Self-judgment is common as we come face to face with ourselves in the Mirror; after all, the eyes are the gateway to our Soul and mirror work can give us direct access to this hub part of our being. Just go with it and start gently looking into your eyes. It’s okay even to laugh if that helps you focus; it’s all part of mastering the process.

Use self-affirming and empowering affirmations aloud.

Finally, find your favourite affirmations, the ones that resonate with you and say aloud to yourself while still keeping your eye gaze directly in the Mirror. Remember to keep your affirmations positive and say them at least ten times. The more you repeat them with sincerity, the more profound the impact. Remember to breathe, notice your reactions and jot them in your journal.

Here are a few of my favourites to try;

• I love how unique I am
• I believe in myself
• My potential is unlimited
• I am enough
• I am confident
• I choose to be happy and love myself

Final thoughts

Doing daily mirror work is one of the most loving, empowering and rewarding gifts you can give to yourself. Your Mirror will not only be used for daily routines like make-up, getting dressed or brushing your teeth, but you’ll also see it in a whole new light as a trusted confidant in your self-love journey.

 Nichola English is addicted to fashion. From an early age picking out clothes for friends and family, she always had an eye for style which only expanded as she got older, eventually creating her business, The Wardrobe Provocateur. 

Nichola adores working with women (and men) across the world discovering personal style, reinventing that old tired wardrobe and realising new confidence and vitality through coaching, shopping and good old clearing out of the old. You can read her full story of becoming The Wardrobe Provocateur here.