What do we see when we look in a mirror? Do we see only the physical body looking back at us? Do we see further inside to what emotions we may be experiencing at that particular moment? Do the frown or smile lines make us consider what has happened to us in the past few hours, days, years?
What does our reflection see?
Our reflection sees nothing. It doesn’t have to think about what it reflects; it doesn’t add anything to our reflection, our lives, our thoughts or emotions – it just is, just reflecting what is there.
This is a good metaphor for how we could live our lives.
If we view the world through the eyes of a reflection, then we do not allow anything to anger or upset us. If we can see things clearly, for what they are, then we can gain a perspective from which we can watch and observe without losing ourselves in the emotions attached.
This does not mean we become aloof and unfeeling. If we live our lives with compassion at the forefront of our minds, then when we observe without attachment we can offer the best support.
Emotions and attachments throw us into the past and the future, away from the here and now, but by being a reflection, we always stay in the moment and are peaceful.
Zen musings 