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TRY THIS:
Next time you walk by a mirror, don't look at yourself.

WHY IT HELPS:
Question: And why not look at yourself in a mirror?

Answer: This one is subtle, but major. A mirror shows your external image. It shows your physical body, but tells nothing about who you really are, since the true-you is mostly a spiritual being.

A mirror is blind to your most important accomplishments in personal growth, maturity, acquired wisdom and kindness you've added to the world. You are probably a much finer person than your mirror will reveal. But most damaging is the mirror's role in suggesting you are no more than a body. Your holy, pure Neshamah gets no attention at all.

Not-looking is not a mitzvah by itself. But, when you combine the discipline it takes with an increased focus on nourishing your Neshamah, it's a useful tool to help connect with your higher purpose

Some claim a glance in the mirror builds courage & confidence, and lets you see if you look "presentable". But most often mirrors make attractive people more self-absorbed, and make plain people lose their sense of self-worth.

You can come away from a glance in the mirror thinking you're Really Something, but you really may be something else.

Our sages remind us spiritual growth that produces an excellence of character goes with us to the next world, while our physical selves and all that we own remains behind.

If we emphasize external image we certainly won't see the importance of cultivating inner excellence. Mirrors are a cruel task-master. Is it worth the price?

DEEPER MEANINGS:
What price do we pay for being a Mirror-Culture?

• We have a diminished happiness because advertisers slickly suggest we must buy their products to be complete.
• Each year, the fashion industry shows us how to dress for success, and creates discontent with last year's look.
• Each year we're shown new cars, new iPods,"new and improved" foods we've just got to try. The desire for New and Improved makes our spouses look Old and Stagnant...and the divorce rate increases.

What is the converse? It would seem when you control the desire for perfection in looks, then you're able to stand tall regardless of how you look, or of who is looking at you.

We're self concious because of our external image. But inner "beauty" comes from a confidence in our relationship with G-d. Make no mistake: You are not what you see in the mirror. The true-you is spiritual, G-d is your coach, and the Torah's mitzvot show the way.