By Lakshmi
Originally published June 12, 2020
Through the years you have created an image of yourself. There is the image you put out to others which is the basis of responses that you get back. Think of the images of the police you see these days – some attacking protestors and some joining them by “taking a knee”. What kind of image do you now have of the police? What do you base it on – your personal experience, your participation, hearsay, your reading, watching the news?
And what is your Self-Image? Is it valid today?
Since we’re spending more time at home these days, this is a good opportunity to explore the images we hold of ourselves. Is your self-image true to who you are? By exploring your self-image and questioning who you really are, you can peel away external layers and come closer to your essence.
“Learning about ourselves is a step-by-step process of building strength in new ways of being and thinking. . . What do I need to know about myself, now, at this point in my life?”
~ Swami Radhananda, Living the Practice
TO EXPLORE YOUR SELF-IMAGE, TRY THIS…
Find a quiet space and time to relax in your home.
With your journal nearby, close your eyes and for a few minutes follow your breath.
Open your eyes. As you look around you, reflect on the following questions:
- What do you see around you to reflect who you are – paintings, flowers, furnishings, clothes, colors, music, books, etc.?
- Are there any patterns, colors, people, animals? Explore these as they represent parts of yourself.
- Which images draw your attention first as you look around? What do they represent for you?
- Are there any images that represent old personalities that no longer apply, are outdated?
- Does what you see reflect the overall feel or essence, the image you have of yourself?
Review your thoughts and what you have written in your journal. Is there anything you would like to change?
“The way to change self-image is by a systematic process that will help in cultivating the imagination… Poor self-image can be eradicated by sincere practice of the Divine Light Invocation…The Divine Light Invocation makes the greatest contribution to the change of self-image because of identification with the Divine Light.”
~Swami Sivananda Radha, Kundalini Yoga for the West
Practice the Divine Light Invocation, putting your self-image into the Light. See yourself in the new Light.
To go further with this exploration, read the section “Thoughts on Self-Image and Personality Aspects” in Chapter 5 of Kundalini Yoga for the West by Swami Sivananda Radha.