Task of the Day #1: The Mirror of the Soul
Self-Knowledge
Task:
Stand in front of a mirror. Look yourself in the eyes for 5 minutes. Try to relax and think about nothing. Just look into your eyes. It is best to do this in silence and in a way that no one distracts you. Afterwards, write down three observations: the bodily sensation during the exercise, your emotional state, and the very first thought that came to your mind.
Purpose:
This simple task is a small attempt to be honest with yourself. You begin to notice which feelings toward your reflection surface first — from tenderness to irritation. The exercise shows how comfortable you are being in your own presence, without roles and without trying to please anyone. Why is this important? People unconsciously sense our attitude toward ourselves. Not everyone and not always, but sometimes this unconscious truth about us comes to other people’s minds at very “inconvenient” moments — for example, when we are trying to make a good impression. You can demonstrate confidence in public as much as you want, but if, when alone with yourself, you feel contempt toward yourself, people may instinctively sense that you are somehow unworthy or not good enough. Yes, the way others relate to us is shaped not only by external attributes, but also by unconscious signals. I explore in more detail what these signals are and where they come from in my insights.