The Man In The Mirror | An Internal Dialogue

The "Man in the Mirror" concept has always been an internal dialogue. A dialogue focused on self-reflection, self-assessment, and self-awareness. As there is a brewing teaching on the importance of "self" – rightly judging oneself first should always be at the forefront. This judgment or self-assessment is not to be critical or abrasive to oneself but to build greater self-awareness of one's thoughts, behaviors, motives, and intents.

Though internal reflection can sometimes be futile because of one's belief system, individuals who can adequately judge or assess themselves are "more likely" to change their life outcomes. These changes are not limited to what is not beneficial or considerably destructive but also focus on improving what's good.

An internal dialogue is key to changing oneself for the better and that which we surround.

A Hard Look Inwardly

It's both complex and challenging to look inwardly. For some people, the beginning stage of looking inward is through the lenses of shame, regret, lack, inadequacy, fear, unhealthy control, etc. For others, it's through the lenses of life-changing experiences such as poverty, illness, abuse, and the list goes on. "Typically", things considered negative or a hardship directly influence how individuals see themselves inwardly. This inward influence then becomes the primary influence that drives our thoughts, behaviors, motives, and habits.

Again, this internal dialogue is not always from a negative stance; however, the "man is the mirror" concept typically revolves around growth or progress.

The "hard look inwardly" is what we need to make progress with. More specifically, the progress with things where we are currently stagnant or stuck.

Ironically, we can simply look inward if we want to know why we act, think, or do or not do certain things outwardly. The inward look seeks the source of things, and through diligence, patience, and honesty, the "desire" to make corrections and changes establish room for improvement in our lives.

An honest inward look also assists us with "PROPERLY" judging or assessing the things or people around us—the where, when, who, why, what, and how. This is a level of sound, wise, and an honest judgment.

But again, it FIRST starts with "self".

Consistent Internal Communication | Constantly Evolving

The "man in the mirror" is a lifelong practice. We are constantly evolving as individuals, collectively with those in proximity, and then culturally as a whole.

Consistent internal communication or dialogue with ourselves prepares us for such evolving or constant changes. It's a commitment to better ourselves and the environments in which we hold space.

WITHOUT shame or guilt – start with the man in the mirror.

Picture from Quote Fancy

1 Corinthians 11:31 | If we judge ourselves, we will not be judged.