What is an image? It seems to me to be that composite oneness in which signifies or is assumed by the substance of what is. The image in which a tree assumes, simply exists, and so it is. The cat, which is irrational, animated, and moving is perceiving other images but not concerned with its own.
Why then, is rational Man concerned with his own image? Perhaps it is because of his rationality, and him having the capacity to be aware that the image staring back at him in the mirror, is actually him. It seems then, this gift of self awareness, to know oneself, and being conscience, can also be a trap. For, is it not unreasonable, to assert that the more a man looks at his own image, his entire world becomes fixated upon that image, which signifies himself? Thus, the motions in which he starts, begin to revolve around that image: decisions, thoughts, affections, inspirations, schemes, plans, anxieties, etc. It seems to me, that without realizing it, a man’s whole metaphysical perception, and understanding, becomes self-centered, because of the enamoring one suddenly develops in the act of being concerned with one’s own image. This must be vanity. Now multiply that by years and years of habitual ‘self-checking’ as it were, and you end up with a shallow man, whose whole ontological understanding is literally skin-deep.
On the contrary, assume now that this same man were to crucify this vain habit, and began to look outward, at the images before him. Of the created images of nature, of the irrational beasts, and other rational Men made in the image of God. It seems obvious to me, that taking one’s attention off oneself, and placing it outward, in exitus, is necessary for charity. If one’s perception is self-less, then the questions seems to change to: “How can I serve these other images I see? How can I help them?”
Therefore, looking less in the mirror, seems to heal the ego, and kindle a fire of charity, while being guarded by the watchful vigilance of humility in self-abasement. Starting with avoiding unnecessary and habitual “self-checking”.
EAR