What Mirror Meditation Can Teach You | Tara Well | TEDxOcala

Mirrors can evoke strong feelings in us but they are also incredibly useful tools for increasing self-awareness. Dr. Tara Well explains how mirror meditation can transform self-criticism into self-compassion, help us manage our emotions, and improve our face-to-face communication, which is vital for managing stress and staying emotionally​ connected to ourselves and to others in the age of increasing reliance on digital technology.

Dr. Tara Well is an associate professor of psychology at Barnard College of Columbia University where she developed the mirror-based meditation called “a revelation” in the New York Times.
Her research on motivation, perception, and cognition has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Mental Health and published in the top psychology journals.

In 2017, she started a Psychology Today blog column, "The Clarity," which now has over 750K readers. Body-image, self-compassion, narcissism, emotional resilience, meditation, and leadership are popular topics. She has been quoted in The New York Times, NBC News, Boston Globe, Bloomberg, Forbes, INC, Shape, Allure, O magazine, and others
Tara loves to share the latest research on how to use self-reflection to develop self-compassion, emotional resilience, and improve relationships. She teaches mirror meditation to individuals worldwide and presents workshops at private gatherings and in business settings.

[xXIVANROJASXx]

Currently practicing this technique and it is life changing to say the least.. I am much more aware of my baseline emotional state and I've seen an improvement in my personal relationships. I now look people in the eyes more and with more compassion the more I practice it on myself. I feel more confident than ever and I can tell others feel more comfortable and open with me as well.

[marekdluzniak]

As soon as she started talking I knew this lady had some really good tips. This is a practice I haven't heard of before and I really like the sounds of it

[Mirrormeditation-bn]

I remember the first time that i did this how disgusted i felt with myself. But i have kept on going because i felt that it was working and with time my self compassion and self confidence have grown a lot. This has really changed my life for the better.

[onurgalbas]

Meditation has the answer to every question.

[valeriegervais]

I remember the first time I tried Mirror Meditation and it was one of the most beautiful experiences - it was the first time I was able to allow my thoughts to flow through me rather than trying to control them.

[carolineadam]

I watched this a few weeks ago and I've come back to report - mirror meditation is amazing. I have quite hysterical episodes, where I sometimes I can't see the light and calm myself - so I've started sitting in front of the mirror when this happens, and comforting myself like I would a friend who is upset, and there really is something about looking into your own eyes and trying to be kind to yourself that really helps to feel more in control. Thank you so much Tara, I appreciate you so much.

[jonrhome]

A mirror and my critical eye, when you put this all together it's a very interesting way to shift how you see yourself.

[oscarkluk]

Looking beyond the surface is what makes maturing the best part of living. Its a journey that requires compassion and understanding. Really enjoyed this talk!

[therightway]

I honestly love this talk so much. I personally know quite a few people who would rather stay in the background, even though it's their energy and guidance that has helped people along the way - when in reality if they allowed themselves to be seen, to be appreciated for what they do - they could probably make more of a difference.

[tamarabarsova]

The mirror meditation practice has helped me look at myself with more compassion. Thank you Prof. Well for this very meaningful talk.

[sandycrisp]

I adore this, meditation has saved my life, and I am ready for the next step with it, I am going to do this.

[jerrydeacon]

I've come back after watching this from a friend sending it to me and actually trying it and I am here to report this is an amazing form of meditation. I found it so much easier to quiet my mind. Thank you Tara, this is just fantastic!

[Callmethebreeze]

I tried it the first time today and loved it. It was more beneficial than some of the best psychologists in town I’ve seen. Just try it, it feels awkward at first. Be kind to yourself. Affirmations to tell you i love you and you are resilient or whatever then you’ll find it will just flow.

[ricardom.arnold]

this reminds me of something i heard once about how when we really don't like someone, or if someone annoys us... it's usually a reflection of something about ourselves we don't like.
i'm defs gonna try this though. i get distracted very easily and i feel like the mirror might help.

[mervobak]

I nearly applauded myself, and I'm sitting at my computer on my own. Excellent talk.

[kobetclark]

I love this! What an excellent way to meditate and for self reflection. Honestly this would help so many people who have never been able to settle themselves for meditation.

[henrahsavage]

watched your talk and will be doing a bit more research into mirror meditation.... i think this could really help me! and the fact that your talk is 11 minutes and 11 seconds makes me think you might be an earthly angel here to help.

[marktferris]

A friend send this to me a week or so ago. I have a hard time during the holiday season for many reasons. So I actually decided to try this practice yesterday after a stressful day - for any one who has been wondering what it's like, or thinks it's a bunch of BS - it is not. If you really want the truth from yourself, if you really want to love yourself and feel supported and hopeful, mirror meditation is amazing. Thank you Tara, I will be passing this on.

[sandralewandowski]

I came back to this talk to say I tried this, and I cried during it. I think I have been holding so much in during all this and I saw it when I saw me. What an amazing experience.

[mycrazylifeismine]

Mirror gazing, I like that if I like what I see. Its a very tough job. Very lovely Tara Wells.