When you hear the word reflection, I’m sure most of you don’t think about how it relates to being your authentic self?
Instead, you might think of your reflection in the mirror? What or who is looking back at you? Or perhaps you think of the reflection that nature offers? Perhaps a beautifully strong standing mountain being reflected in a body of water?
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Lately, I have noticed reflections everywhere. When I’m walking past wetlands, I can see the cattails & Spike grass reflecting in the still water from which they grow. When I’m in a yoga class, I notice the reflections of the room on the hardwood floor. And one of my favourites: the reflection of a full moon on a lake. Each time I take note of a reflection this sense of peace washes over me.
Noticing reflections everywhere has reminded me of the saying from A Course in Miracles ‘ What you see in the outside world is a reflection of an inward condition’, -this would be the reflection of the unseen.
This phrase has really resonated with me over the years – not only does it offer insight to a bigger picture but it gives me the opportunity to unfold more of my authentic self. The phrase has resonated with me so much I’ve been doing my best to live by it, and I preach it to my clients.
When I look at someone with judgment, anger, or frustration, I try to ask myself what is being reflected back to me. This person is holding up a mirror for me to see my own reflection, and it’s my job to discover what’s underneath.
What inner healing can take place in this moment? Where is my authentic self in this reflection?
We live in a society where attack and blame are very prominent- where it’s easy to look at someone else rather than take accountability- where we want SO badly to make the other person wrong. But who has ever felt better (and I mean authentically better) by making someone else wrong? Pointing a finger at someone else is the same as handing over our own personal power- it only causes us suffering. It’s much more empowering when you can look at your own actions, your own thoughts and get a handle on them rather than constantly pointing a finger elsewhere.
The next time you feel upset, angry or frustrated by someone else- ask yourself what is happening within myself right now? Do I deny something within myself? Am I judging myself? What is causing this feeling of disconnect?
It’s not the easiest concept to grasp- this I know. But I also know that when you stop playing in everyone else’s sandbox, and you play only in yours- you reveal parts of yourself that are just dying to come out. The parts that make you feel whole and complete – without the participation of anyone else. The parts that make you feel content, the parts that help you feel the depths of your Soul.
When this starts to happen your reflection will change as well. You will look at a person who might have caused you to feel anger, frustration or sadness, and you will feel love, empathy. The scenery around you will take your breath away. You will see and feel love for each particle and speck of life that you encounter. Your reflection will be one of complete beauty- the unseen kind.
Calgary Canada Life Coach Arianne Moore-Armstrong, founder of Path of Tranquility Coaching for Women, helps clients worldwide.