MIRROR MEDITATION
The Power of Neuroscience and Self-Reflection to Overcome Self-Criticism, Gain Confidence, and See Yourself with Compassion
by Tara Well. Ph.D.
Praise for MIRROR MEDITATION
“Tara Well is an extraordinarily creative psychologist. In Mirror Meditation, she introduces a powerful new approach to self-awareness that encourages people to look at themselves and each other with compassion and clarity. As our world becomes more complex and uncertain, there’s an urgent need for this book. Mirror Meditation is a truly unique offering that is sure to change the lives of many readers worldwide and how they literally see themselves.”
–Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, Host of The Psychology Podcast and author of Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization.
“Mirror Meditation is an important contribution to understanding how we see ourselves and the world around us. Tara Well’s approach is smartly based on science, yet her true gift is making these lessons accessible, personal, and even fun. This book is for anyone who wants to experience the power of seeing themselves clearly and compassionately.”
–Dr. Tasha Eurich, Organizational Psychologist and New York Times Bestselling Author of Insight and Bankable Leadership.
“Mirror Meditation is a game changer! If you ever struggle to believe in yourself, Mirror Meditation will help you reconnect to your worth and move forward to create a richer and more rewarding life.”
–Dr. Margie Warrell, Speaker and Bestselling Author of You’ve Got This: The Life-Changing Power of Trusting Yourself
“What happens in your mind when you look at yourself in the mirror? Drawing on psychological research and a deep understanding of human selfhood, Tara Well provides new insights into the nature of self-reflection. Her book is full of powerful stories, sage psychological advice, fascinating scientific findings, and provocative insights for living a full and authentic life.”
–Dan P. McAdams, Ph.D., The Henry Wade Rogers Professor of Psychology, Northwestern University
–“What a gem of a book this is! Tara Well’s Mirror Mediation is creative, fresh, and has the potential to bring great relief to many. The book is beautifully written, yet brings together research from social psychology to neuroscience. With clear exercises and tips for readers, it is a unique addition to the field of mindfulness, meditation, and psychology at large.”
–Robert T. Muller, Ph.D., author of Trauma and the Struggle to Open Up
“Mirror Meditation is a very valuable resource, providing tools that are practical, easy to implement, and based on current research findings in brain science, health, and personality psychology. Its focus on increasing self-awareness, reducing self-objectification, and increasing mindfulness are timely and important in the era of Zoom meetings and seeing one’s own face on screen all day. Tara Well, Ph.D. is clearly an expert in her field, providing tools and research-based advice that is fresh, workable, and helps us relate to ourselves with greater self-compassion.”
–Dr. Melanie Greenberg, Clinical Psychologist and author of The Stress-Proof Brain.
About the Book
Seeing ourselves clearly isn’t always easy—especially in the age of social media. Technology has eroded our capacity for authentic self-reflection. As a result, we feel more anxious and depressed, have shorter attention spans, and have become more estranged from ourselves and each other. We’ve also become more critical of our physical appearance, and this self-criticism can damage our confidence and stand in the way of our happiness. In order to heal, we must come face to face with our true selves—not the images of ourselves that we alter and post online. If you’re ready for self-reflection that has nothing to do with selfies, this book will reveal the way. Based on cutting-edge neuroscience, Mirror Meditation offers mindful practices for increasing your self-awareness, managing stress and emotions, developing self-compassion, and increasing your confidence and personal presence. Using the three principles of mindfulness meditation—attention to the present moment, open awareness, and kind intention toward oneself—you’ll realize just how much your self-criticisms are affecting you. Then you’ll have a choice—and a practice—to treat yourself with more self-acceptance. Self-awareness can help you break free from both your inner critic and the external world that stokes the fears and anxieties that we are never good enough, never have enough, and are never safe enough. The simple self-mirroring technique in this unique guide isn’t grounded in technology—just a commitment to be present with yourself.
About the Author
Tara Well, Ph.D., is associate professor of psychology at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York, NY, where she developed a mirror-based meditation called “a revelation,” which was featured in The New York Times. She has taught people worldwide about using the mirror to awaken self-compassion, manage emotions, and improve face-to-face communication. In 2017, she started a blog called The Clarity on Psychology Today, which now has more than a million readers. Her 2019 TEDx Talk explains how mirrors and reflections are vital for managing stress and staying emotionally connected to ourselves and to others in the age of increasing reliance on digital technology.
New Harbinger