Do you ever step out of the shower and catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror? What’s the first thought that goes through your mind?
Gotta confess, mine isn’t pretty. When I was little, I was “chubby”. Sometimes, I still look in the mirror and see that little girl. Other times, I notice my thoughts and try and be a little kinder.
I have found when I notice my world, that which I need to learn shows up pretty clearly in front of me. As life would have it, my learning of physical self-compassion came in the form of two videos seen on the same day.
The first video was directed by documentary filmmaker Cynthia Wade and produced by our (wildly talented cousin) Sharon Liese (Producer, High School Confidential) and debuted at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival a few weeks ago – to high praise and well deserved acclaim.
The 7-minute short film called Selfie explores how social media is shaping the way we perceive beauty and follows a series of teenagers and their mothers who are asked to take self-images that highlight their insecurities about the way they look. The film aims to empower women to redefine the traditional perception of beauty found in glossy magazines and movies.
http://mashable.com/2014/01/20/dove-selfies-short-film/
The second video, Pro Infirmis (Because Who Among Us Is Perfect?) was shown in my Kabbalah class (www.thekabbalahexperience.com) and shows the creation of mannequins in the shape of body different people. It was so powerful it brought tears to my eyes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8umFV69fNg
As I watch my own teenage daughter grow and move through her self definition and perceptions, I am in awe and constant prayer. How do I help her make sense of all of this when my husband’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue arrives, blaring three young girls wearing only bikini bottoms and their tushies hanging out? Thankfully, she is bright, emotionally intelligent and has her own sense of (delightful and creative) style. Still, I just read an article in this week’s NYTs that said “It’s been estimated that girls 11 to 14 are subjected to some 500 advertisements a day”. The ensuing results could fill 10 posts.
Why aren’t we seeing more videos like Selfie and the Mannequins? Afterall, if we really are trying to accept ourselves, may be the Selves we promote should be real – not airbrushed.
How do you MindFULLY notice and accept your Self? Let us know!
themindfullcreative.com 