To see, or not to see, that is the question.

But in actuality, to see is to not see.

I started off my yoga life with mirrors and have since ended up in places without. I teach in places without. I record in places without. I see the value in mirrors when you’re first starting out. Most people do not have great proprioception and seeing oneself in the mirror can be helpful. Especially when you don’t know yet what you’re doing. (You will, though, either way.)

Getting in to the poses (once you feel you more-or-less look correct) is an entirely different beast altogether. A “full expression” truly incorporates what is felt on the inside, if not more than what is seen on the outside. I saw a change in my personal practice without mirrors. My asanas cleaned up on their own over time without ego, without mirrors, without distractions. Poses will begin to align themselves, sometimes with sacred geometry, and ease will come.

So through experience, I say “no” to mirrors. Through practice and different teachers, you will add more cues that are helpful to you and self correct. All else will soon be felt inside, even if you do not feel anything at times, no matter how long you have been at it. Ultimately, asana is only one limb of yoga. With eight in total to practice, your mindset will be your master. Yoga will be your journey.

P.S. If you really want to get philosophical, there is no mirror at all, and there never was. 😉