Healing Through Mirror Work: Breaking the Trauma Response of Fawning and Reconnecting with Your Authentic Self

Mirror work is a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery, especially for those who struggle with people-pleasing behaviours rooted in trauma responses such as fawning.

Fawning is a survival response to trauma where individuals prioritize the needs and desires of others over their own in order to seek safety and approval. This often leads to a loss of self-identity and a disconnect from one's true essence.

By incorporating mirror work into your healing journey, you can begin to unravel the patterns of people-pleasing and reclaim your power by reconnecting with your self-identity and higher self.

Signs and Symptoms of People-Pleasing:

 1. Constant need for approval and validation from others

2. Difficulty setting boundaries and saying no

3. Fear of rejection or abandonment

4. Putting others' needs before your own

5. Feeling resentful or exhausted from overextending yourself

6. Difficulty expressing your true thoughts and emotions

7. Seeking external validation to feel worthy or lovable

 

Practices to Reconnect with Your Self-Identity and Higher Self:

1. Practice self-awareness and mindfulness to tune into your thoughts and emotions

2. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment

3. Set boundaries and learn to say no when necessary

4. Cultivate self-love and self-compassion through affirmations and self-care practices

5. Seek support from a therapist or counsellor to explore underlying trauma and patterns

6. Journaling to reflect on your feelings, triggers, and patterns of behaviour

7. Surround yourself with supportive and understanding individuals who respect your boundaries

8. Practice forgiveness and compassion towards yourself for past people-pleasing behaviours

9. Engage in practices such as meditation and yoga to connect with your higher self

10. Embrace vulnerability and authenticity in your relationships and interactions

Empowering Affirmations for Mirror Work:

1. I am worthy of love and respect exactly as I am.

2. I honour my needs and desires with compassion and understanding.

3. My worth is not dependent on others' approval or validation.

4. I trust myself to make decisions that align with my highest good.

5. I release the need to please others at the expense of my own well-being.

6. I am deserving of happiness, peace, and fulfillment in all areas of my life.

7. I embrace my authentic self and shine my light unapologetically.

8. I am enough just as I am, flaws and all.

9. I choose to prioritize my own needs and well-being with love and kindness.

10. I am a powerful creator of my reality and I trust in my ability to manifest my desires.

My Process for Mirror Work:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can be alone with a mirror.

2. Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself and calm your mind.

3. Gaze into your own eyes in the mirror and allow yourself to truly see yourself.

4. Start by acknowledging any feelings or thoughts that come up without judgment.

5. Begin to repeat your chosen affirmations out loud, looking yourself in the eyes.

6. Notice any resistance or discomfort that arises and breathe through it with compassion.

7. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that surface and offer yourself love and understanding.

8. Continue to repeat the affirmations, allowing them to sink into your subconscious mind.

9. Take your time with this practice, allowing yourself to fully embrace and embody the affirmations.

10. End the session by expressing gratitude to yourself for showing up and doing the work to heal and empower yourself.

By incorporating mirror work into your healing journey, you can begin to break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and reconnect with your authentic self and higher self. Through self-awareness, self-love, and empowering affirmations, you can cultivate a deep sense of self-worth and reclaim your power to unconditionally love yourself.