"A few years ago, I read Anthony DeMello's book Sadhana: A Way to God. In it, he describes a prayer exercise recommended by St. Teresa of Avila, one that is deceptively simple: imagine Jesus looking at you, lovingly and humbly . . . The first time I tried it, I imagined Jesus looking straight at me, at close range, with love and humility in his eyes. It felt awkward: my immediate impulse was to look over my shoulder to see who was standing behind me. Then I turned back, and Jesus was till looking at me with infinite love and a smile that seared my heart and I found myself crying . . . I'm not worthy, I kept thinking, but the more I sat there, the more I began to believe that perhaps I am. I started to believe that maybe Jesus is a little easier on my than I am on myself, that he sees my flaws but he also sees beyond them, to the very best of me, the heart of who I really am."
Today, imagine Christ, the Buddha, Love itself, your wisest and most beloved friend gazing at you. Ask to see in yourself what they see in you. See others the same ways - through wise, discerning, loving eyes from which no truth can be hid.