Fascinating topic, I suppose we need to strike some balance.
I think looking in the mirror can help us achieve mindfulness.
Too much looking in the mirror, might achieve the opposite, the projection of narcissism perhaps.
Asking questions is important as well; like why does such and such image or brushstroke bother us.
Anyway excellent food for thought, me thinks.
Ye there is a balance to be found and I guess it depends from person to person.
I think we are just built to notice the little things because small details can hold a lot of information.