I Am Worthy of Love: A Mirror Practice for Self-Compassion

I Am Worthy of Love: A Mirror Practice for Self-Compassion

Most of us look in a mirror many times a day and rarely with kindness.

This is an evening of guided practice in front of a thirty-two-foot mirror wall. Breath, movement, and gaze, in three arcs. Each arc settles the body first, then meets your own eyes, then transitions to somatic self-soothing. The guided meditations include awareness resting in the heart center, with a giving and receiving on the breath; the words I am worthy of love, said to your own face; and asking the body what's there and listening for the response.

We close with yoga nidra in a darkened room, and then a period of reflective writing.

No substances. Breath, attention, and a mirror.

The research

This evening is the final phase of the Mirror Project, designed by Patrick Doerksen — a months-long arc that has moved from solo practice, to small groups, to this room. You'll be invited to complete a short self-compassion measure at the beginning and again at the end, and to write freely at the close.

Taking part in the research is optional, separate from your ticket, and you can decline any part of it at any point without explanation. You are welcome here either way.

A note on fit

Meeting your own gaze, even in short stretches and even kindly, can be activating. If you live with an eating disorder or body dysmorphia, with a dissociative condition, with psychosis or a schizophrenia-spectrum condition, with panic disorder, or with PTSD, it's worth some thought in advance — ideally with someone who knows your history.

The practice is built so you can step back at any moment: rest your gaze at the heart center, close your eyes, or move away from the mirror entirely. We say this at the start and again as we go.

This is a yoga and mirror-gazing practice, not therapy or medical treatment, and you take part at your own risk. No substances are involved and we ask that you don't take anything beforehand. If gentle movement or breath practice is inadvisable for you, please check with your own clinician first.

Practical

Bring a yoga mat if you have one — the studio has mats, blocks, straps, and chairs, but no cushions or bolsters. Wear something you can move and sit on the floor in.

538 Johnson Ave, Unit A207, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Nearest train is Jefferson St on the L, about a five-minute walk. This is near a former Matka space where BPS hosted many events, if you remember.

Questions: henrykandel@gmail.com

Presented by the Psychedelic Yoga Research Collective, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.