A Love Experiment

       In the culture I grew up in, self-love was equated with the sin of pride.  Thinking highly of oneself was clearly not ok, while being rough on oneself, physically and emotionally, was considered virtuous.

       So, it's not surprising that, just two weeks ago while I was sitting with someone in my office, the idea for this experiment first came to me.  Acting on the inspiration, I suggested to my client that, once a day, she set aside time to face herself in a mirror and say the words, "I love you".  

       I've done – and written about – other mirror meditations, but not this one, so I decided to try it.

       The results have been revealing – and healing.  I encountered resistance – even cheated a few times, saying the words, but skipping the mirror part.  Early on, the words felt foreign, a bit hollow, but I determined to stick with them, as an act of faith.  Sometimes, the experience felt neutral.  At other times, a gentle peace came over me.  Once, there were tears.  

       I'm feeling a shift – a loosening, a freeing.  I'm going to stay with this experiment for a while, to see how what unfolds.

       Maybe you'd like to try it.