"Look presentable"
Have you ever tried mirror gazing? Have you ever heard of it? The concept was first introduced to me a few years ago in my yoga training - our cohort wisely handed the homework of engaging in the technique for about a 20-minute span of time and reporting back on our experience.
Here’s the lowdown on what and how:
Find a mirror (any mirror), though one larger than the size of a paperback book that can stand on its own is best. The mirrors in your bathroom or hung over your closet door are perfect. The technique is just what it sounds like. You’ll step in front of your chosen mirror, look into your own eyes (stunning by the way) and hold the gaze for as long a time as what feels appropriate. In this technique, appropriate means enough time to climb the hill of discomfort about staring at yourself, stay still through the “nothing’s happening” phase, and glide into the self-made psychedelics of Who am I? What even is “I”?
If you’re like, what in the world, let me explain both why we do it, and why I’m bringing it up in this week’s topic on physical appearance in the workplace. And we’re off!
You are so much more than what you or someone else sees.
You know this already, of course. In the practice of mirror gazing, we get a glimpse of who we are beyond what we look like. It’s a powerful chance for us to remember that our external “sack of stardust” as my teacher (hi Bethany!) calls it, the skin and bones and features of our faces and bodies are but a way to play on planet Earth - all the rich, juicy inside stuff, like our emotions, logic, creativity, and unique vision are what brings the real magic to life, including the value we bring to work.
Lemme bless you with this list real quick, because I’m in a fiery, needing-to-make-a-point mood (is it still Aries season?)
Things that never make your physical appearance inappropriate for work:
Your natural hair texture
The shape of your body (even in clothing that forms to your shape)
The color of your skin
Your choice to wear or not wear makeup
Your choice to wear the same thing every day
Your choice to wear clothing representative of your gender/genderless expression
Whether or not your nails are polished, designed or extended
