is for selfies
I had no idea when I signed up to play in Amy Palko’s Summer of Self and Soul, a daily practice of taking selfies, that it would turn out to be such a profound and sacred practice of self-care.
For someone who can see the soul self of others in all their brilliant colors and divine beauty, I literally could hardly bear to have my own photo taken, let alone look at it. And yet this practice, in a mere six weeks, has shifted all that. First I was awash in curiosity, then immense self-compassion, and now such lovingkindness toward myself. I can look at and see all the physical flaws, all my body issues, all the ways age has shown up and surprised me with her touch, and I can see the sacred, I see the divine, I see the banal, I see facets of my gem self. And whatever shows up in my camera lens, in the journaling I do about that image, in the altering I do to find another facet, in the altaring I do to honor all my selves – I send myself love. And is there better self-care than that?
YES!!! I can so identify with this, Deborah. I couldn’t stand what time had done to my face (and body) and did all I could to avoid being in photographs. Then I began a daily practice of photographing my horses. Before I knew it, I began adding myself in the photos and now I’m taking selfies all the time and LOVING the woman who I am. It’s a great practice for self acceptance and love.
I love that Susan. And how perfect the beautiful horses played their part in this. Such amazing creatures!
Oh, how beautiful! This reminds me of something I’ve done, which is to look myself in the eye in the mirror and tell myself what I love about myself . . . and do it many days in a row. I’ve had a similar result.
What a lovely practice!
I love your selfies!
When I first got my phone and got instagram, I felt weird taking my own photo … even weirder posting it … but like you, I am discovering something with each photo.
I am more comfortable in my own skin. I am discovering self compassion and self love. I LOVE the way I look. Even the tears in the eyes, so drained and tired look.
Beautiful practice.
Yay for being able to see our beautiful shining souls, to love ourselves, and to becoming ever more comfortable in our skins. Powerful, big stuff.