It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words.

I’m not sure of the worth thing, but I am positive that a picture can create a million words…or at least a few hundred.

That—in my experience—is why I’ve come to love the selfie.

Over the last few years, I’ve developed a way of life that usually finds me very, very, very happy.

My personal philosophy often contrasts with the way I was raised and the way I have lived a majority of my life, so I find the differences worth noting—and, often, writing about.

There was once a time when I was told I never smiled, and that I should do more of it. That lack of smiling directly reflected my state of being at the time, just as my beaming smile today reflects my current state of being.

Why I would not want to share that smile with those I love is completely beyond me. That inspired me to list the top six reasons you should absolutely love the selfie.

1. The photographer is awesome.

That’s right, the photographer of your selfie is the best around. He or she is remarkable, one-of-a-kind purveyor of beauty and awesomeness. Honor thy photographer and sit pretty for a perfect shot.

2. The photographer loves the model.

Yep, one thing should be certain, and that is that the photographer taking the selfie should absolutely love the model. In that love, the photographer will take create care to capture the essence of the model, and the model (who should love the photographer equally) will want the best pictures possible. It’s a partnership like no other.

3. You will radiate your current state of mind.

If you are happy, in love, content, peaceful, or whatever—it will shine through and you will share that with others. They, in turn, may become happy, loving, content, peaceful or whatever you may be. It’s a gift you have given to the world around you!

4. You will have proof of your happiness.

Not that proof is essential, but sometimes when I feel challenged I love to look back on pictures that bring me joy. While pictures like this don’t necessarily mean selfies, isn’t it nice to know that the picture was taken and features the very person who should always make you happy?

5. No assembly or set-up is required.

One of the best things about a selfie it is that it is easy. You don’t need to find someone to take it, or set up a scene, or do anything special. You just need to point and click (assuming you don’t have an issue finding the button on the screen that I have).

Then, you can edit, share, or delete just based on whether or not you like what you see. I’d say you should sometimes share even if you don’t. You may actually learn something.

6. Remember, it can be said that every picture is a selfie!

Since it can be said that we are all part of the same Universe, couldn’t it also be said that every picture taken is, in fact, a selfie?

If you know me, you know that I had to make at least one completely deep philosophical point among the myriad of other more subtle ones. We can easily suggest that every picture is a manifestation of the Universe celebrating itself, and that a picture we take of our own form is simply God celebrating the wonderful works of love we are.

At least it’s easy for me to suggest that.

Now, there are a few things I’d like to clear up about selfies. This includes some perspective, as well as some “do’s” and “don’ts” of the art.

I call these the “Tammy Rules,” since they were created quite by accident as I was educating a rather beautiful but strangely uncertain yogini on how to confidently share that beauty.

Here are my 10 Rules for the Perfect Selfie:

1. Smile!

2. Selfies are the new yoga. Whatever your self-conscious self is afraid to do, do (just remember the rules of your forum!)…

3. Baby steps. Much like a pose, you don’t push through a selfie, you ease into it. 

4. Mirrors rock. Why? Because your arm is only so long and mirrors can change the angle. This also can help the spiritual mirror become the reflection of the reflection that some mirror reflected, in a spiritual sense.

5. Selfies are not egotistical—they are an expression of love. Not only from you to yourself, but also from you to others who adore your image and their idea of who you are. 

6. The less fabric in the picture, the better (okay, I threw this one in).

7. The more skin in the picture, the better (see number six).

8. Naked inversion selfies simple prove a mastery of mind, body and soul! This should be left to Masters, even those novices can use a wall and a self-timing smartphone app.  

9. Selfies while driving (moving) on the roadway is only a good idea if you want it to be included in your obituary (or in your indictment).

10. Have fun, enjoy life and most of all push your limits! 

Now, enjoy and share. A light under a basket only lights the basket, and we all could use some more illumination in our lives. Thank you!

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Apprentice Editor: Kimby Maxson / Editor: Renée Picard

Photos: courtesy of the awesome author/photographer/model