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A Mirror-Gazing Routine To Inspire Fierce Self-Love
Body love has never come naturally to me. I've spent years dealing with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, working hard to treat symptoms like brain fog, muscle stiffness, fatigue, puffiness, bloating, and weight gain.
As I learned to cultivate self-love through exercise, meditation, diet, and self-care rituals, I was able to successfully treat my thyroid issues and finally lose stubborn belly fat. So successful, in fact, that I've come to love my body in a way I never imagined possible.
One of the most remarkable, albeit intense, rituals I took on during my healing journey was mirror gazing. I was assigned the practice during my Kundalini training, but it took me months to actually give it a try because I was so petrified.
Once I began practicing it every day, though, my life transformed. I started to really love and appreciate myself on a deep level—it finally felt good to be in my own skin. The self-deprecation, self-judgment, and self-loathing that made up my daily internal monologue began to fade away, replaced by a positive current of self-acceptance, self-trust, and forgiveness.
And as an added bonus, I began to lose the stubborn weight around my belly and thighs that wasn't budging when I was being harsh and nasty to it.
How to practice mirror gazing
Stand or sit in front of mirror, preferably naked. If the thought of being naked in front of your mirror terrifies you, start in your bikini. Look into your own eyes and tell yourself, "I see you. You're beautiful. I love you."
You can talk to yourself about how proud you are of a certain accomplishment or how you handled a situation that week. Whatever gets you connected to the reality of you—a pure, graceful, courageous being.
If you're feeling like you need an extra boost of energy, try dancing in front of the mirror completely naked. Put on a song or a mantra that makes you feel alive and beautiful. Be sure to look into your eyes and feel your soul. Sing. Scream. Shake.
Practice for at least 11 minutes. For ultimate cumulative benefit, do this practice every day for 40 days.
You may laugh. You may cry. Each day may bring up a new feeling.
Even if it is absolutely terrifying at first, it's a total confidence booster. As you begin to finally love and accept yourself, you'll notice your body finally healing in ways you may never have experienced before. You may begin to feel more radiant and attractive. Your skin may clear up. You may begin to magnetize a loving, healthy relationship. You'll absolutely cultivate a loving, healthy relationship with yourself.
You may laugh. You may cry. Each day may bring up a new feeling. A feeling of appreciation, of understanding, of compassion, of radically accepting yourself exactly where you are right now. These five things will heighten the self-love practice even further.
What to keep in your self-love repertoire
1. Essential oils
Smell like love, remind yourself in every moment that you are worthy of love. Grace Alchemy is the formulation I'm always reaching for.
2. One-year knickerscription
Look great and feel great in all the right places with these super-sexy G-strings.
3. Jade egg
Incorporate a jade or rose quartz egg into your daily practice, and you'll notice a major change in your sexual energy!
4. A beautiful quote
A piece of art next to your mirror will remind you to always be kind to yourself.
5. Sultry candles
Let their scents guide you to a place where you feel loved, where raw sensual passion reigns and rules. I recommend leather, bourbon, tobacco, and a slight toss of rose, because my dear, you are so worthy of having all of the fantasies.
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Fern Olivia is a speaker and influencer on the power of integrative medicine, yoga, and holistic lifestyle practices. She graduated Cum Laude from Syracuse University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises. She is also a Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (AADP) from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Fern is the founder and CEO of Thyroid Yoga® and now trains wellness leaders and practitioners, integrating Reiki, Sound Healing and Intuitive Healing into the practice. Today, she works with clients through Personal Retreats in Nosara, Costa Rica and virtual Thyroid Yoga® sessions and mentorships, available globally.
Fern has partnered with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon at The Ash Center for Comprehensive Medicine, Dr. Robin Berzin and Dr. Jeffrey Egler at Parsley Health, among leading health practitioners, expert yoga instructors, and brilliant entrepreneurs. Together with these exceptional doctors and renowned practitioners, she offers Thyroid Yoga® in tandem with integrative medical practices, yoga studios, and wellness centers. Fern is a certified Reiki practitioner and registered yoga teacher.