Mirror Work

We look in the mirror every day, but mostly at our hair or a spot on our face. We rarely look at ourselves. This practice invites you to do exactly that: look into your own eyes for a few minutes and ask a single question.

You can use a mirror or turn on your device's front camera. The camera image shows only on your own screen; it is not recorded and not sent anywhere.

Why the question "What am I?"

Much of what we call "I" is made up of habits, roles and what other people expect of us. The question is asked out of curiosity about what lies beneath those layers, not to memorise an answer.

The same question turns up in different traditions. In Sufism, the saying "Whoever knows himself knows his Lord" is taken as the essence of this search. The Indian sage Ramana Maharshi told his students to stay with the question "Who am I?" and nothing else. And it is said that "Know thyself" was inscribed at the entrance of the temple at Delphi.

What can you expect?

It feels odd in the first days. Laughing, looking away and getting bored are all normal. Some days nothing happens, and on others a feeling you didn't expect comes up. Both happen.

One more thing: if you look at your own face for a long time in dim light, it can seem to change. The psychologist Giovanni Caputo described this in 2010 as the "strange-face-in-the-mirror illusion". It comes from the visual system adapting to a fixed image, and there is nothing to be afraid of. If it bothers you, turn up the light or blink.

Before you begin

The body I see in the mirror is my instrument. I'm ready to look at myself honestly.

How to do it

1. Stand or sit in front of the mirror, or turn on the camera. Make sure your face is well lit. Doing this in the morning, before the day starts, makes it easier.
2. Look into your own pupils. Don't study your face; try to stay in the gaze.
3. Ask, aloud or silently: "What am I?"
4. Wait. Your mind will produce answers right away: your name, your job, your roles. Let them pass and keep listening.
5. To close, say this sentence to yourself: "I am a universal spirit being. I am here to evolve in this world. This body is my instrument, and I treat it well."

Things to keep in mind

Five minutes a day is enough for the first week. Later you can go up to 10 and 15 if you like.

You can carry the question into your day. When something difficult happens, stop and ask yourself: "What am I meant to see here?"

If you struggle a lot with your body or your appearance, this practice can be hard. If you feel that way, stop; talking to a professional would be a better step.

Frequently asked questions

Is my camera image being recorded?

No. The image is shown only in your browser; it is not recorded and does not go to a server. If you prefer, you can skip the camera and use a real mirror.

I felt like crying. Is that normal?

Yes. Looking at yourself for a long time can bring up feelings you've been holding back. Be gentle with yourself; if you like, follow it with the Self-Compassion Break.

Do I have to say the closing sentence?

No. That sentence expresses the teaching this practice comes from. If it doesn't suit you, staying with the question is enough.

Note: The practices here are for rest and for coming back to yourself. They are not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a health condition or take medication, follow what your doctor tells you. If you feel unwell during a practice, stop.