We All Strike Poses Like Tyra

“Only by much searching and mining are gold and diamonds obtained, and man can find every truth connected with his being if he will dig deep into the mine of his soul.”

-James Allen

To dig into the mine of the soul is to examine one’s self at the core. It takes time, persistence, and experience, but the end results are diamonds, contentment, and enlightenment. To obtain these gems, all people have moments when they sit on their bed, staring into a mirror. Whether they pose like Tyra, or stick their noses so far up they resemble Porky Pig, everyone tries to distinguish their true self.

This I believe.

Experience has been key in forming this conclusion. I can’t count the minutes, hours I’ve lost to my mirror. Why I decide to continue goggling I’ve pondered perpetually. Perhaps the stability the mirror provides keeps me returning. As my reflection changes—haircuts, braces, puberty—the unchanging crème frame and delicate detailing comforts me. I like looking to my mirror and gaining hope that one day this awkwardness will pass.

Additionally, I know that I’m not alone in staring into my mirror. I’ve talked with classmates to confirm this.

“What?! Look into your mirror? Never!” my classmate Jenna remarks. But I see through her lies.

“Mrs. Dell, I’m calling about Jenna. Has she ever stared into her mirror, posing?”

“Yeah, actually. Don’t tell Jenna this, but she’s left her window open and I’ve seen Jenna striking poses like a super model!” Jenna proves my hunch. Owning up to it is tough as a two dollar steak, but it’s too fun to stop because you’re embarrassed. Taking yourself out of your status and becoming more confident, sillier, and bolder are exhilarating sensations. Addiction follows, and henceforth people return to the mirror.

Consequently, I believe everybody gazes into their reflection, creating comical faces or zany poses.

Furthermore, I know people are different when they are alone. In social situations, like the mall, my friend acts cliquey and self-conscious just because the surrounding crowd is. Her actions surprise me because one on one she’s caring and warm. Therefore, I believe a “mirror” situation occurs with the mirror. Unconsciously, when appearing before the mirror, you change. Vanity disappears and you become free, limitless. Therefore, I know looking into a mirror is a valid situation because I know people are different when they are alone.

It takes a tremendous amount of trust, also, to look into a mirror. You trust no one will laugh, or critique. I believe people stare into their mirror posing and making funny faces because they trust only themselves enough to be so free. In speaking with my mother she summed the feeling as,

“I know myself. I like myself. I trust myself.”

Always and forever people have tried to become unrestrained. Because of the privacy and safety a bedroom brings, they’ve resorted to sitting on their bed, staring into the possibility filled mirror. Whether they stretch their mouth and stick out their tongue or stride the room with attitude and confidence, it happens from a need to be liberated and enlightened.

This I believe.