While decluttering the old files, I found one of my favourite poems, which helped me self-reflect. It was from an old collection, 24 years old. The message of the poem still resonates with me. This poem even today conveys the simple reality of how one cannot hide anything from oneself.
In his poem “the Guy in the Glass”, Peter Dale Wimbrow explores ‘self-reflection’ and ‘meaning of life. The poem is self-explanatory, and I am sure that you will love it !!!
The Guy in the Glass
by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934
When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.
For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.
He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.
Does ‘the guy in the glass’ smile at you or frown at you?
Does the guy in the reflection look happy or sad?
Does the person in the mirror look satisfied or dissatisfied?
This poem is one of the ways to let you know that “you are who you are, and you have the permission to do things differently.” It is time to cast off the criticisms by others and to gauge our strengths and weaknesses. You should be the judge, editor and writer of your life. You may fool the world by masking but cannot fool yourself.
One can tackle their inner critic with reasoning, logic and facts. Self-awareness is a crucial aspect in the process of growing holistically. Self-regulation and self reflection help us to improve confidence and self-esteem.
What does Self-reflection mean?
Self-reflection is the process of looking at you thoroughly and asking the conscience what is seen, felt and experienced. Introspection should be the most important opinion of all.
Experiences teach us many things. According to Professor Graham Gibbs, contemplating past experiences helps people deal with them better in the future. Gibbs ‘Reflective Cycle’ encourages people to think and reflect systematically about specific incidents in particular situations.
Ulric Gustav Neisser, another famous cognitive psychologist, writes in his book “Memory Observed: Remembering in Natural Contexts”about the five levels of self-awareness. According to him, Our Self conceptualisation is derived from self-validation and how we perceive ourselves. Everyone creates their ideal self and compares it with the present one. The ideal self is what we want to become and can be a motivating drive for looking forward.
A pragmatic attitude of accepting yourself with honesty helps in self-development at all levels of life. Sometimes, I use the above poem as a mental exercise while self-reflecting.
Five questions to self-reflection
Here is an easy mental exercise for you:
Sit in a comfortable position. Take one or two deep breaths and relax. (Close your eyes, if you like it). Ask one question at a time. You may write down or record your answers.
- What do I think about myself (self-concept?), and what evidence do I have to prove or discard it?
- Am I too invested in my thoughts, feelings, judgments, opinions and criticisms of others?
- What/ Why am I making excuses not to do something?
- What do I want from my life?
- Do I compare and judge my future with my past? If yes, how is it affecting me?
Let us know how you find these questions helping to unfold yourself.
Do you want to know more about self-reflection? Write to us at mindsonfleek@gmail.com or in the comments below. You can also DM us on instagram or post your thoughts and tag us twitter or facebook.
2 thoughts on “Mirror Mirror on The Wall?”