The Way of Water, Part 6, Reflect

Reflect
When water is calm, it can reflect a clear picture of anything it greets. It can serve to show the observer that which they might otherwise not see. But if water is turbulent or murky, then what's reflected with be hazy and unclear.

Similarly, when our minds are turbulent- when we are angry, resentful, vengeful, or moved by powerful emotion- we can't reflect on ourselves and what is happening. This makes it impossible to see a situation clearly, and our vision is distorted. When we can keep calm, we are able to reflect on things in a much clearer and more accurate way.

Self-reflection is always important, but perhaps no more so than when we are going through a difficulty. Let's all remember to calm ourselves, take a moment to reflect, and see what we can learn from the situation.

Philosophers and poets have long said that what is outside of us is merely a reflection of what is within. What lives in the heart, comes out of the mouth. And in a similar vein, the Bible says, "As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart." (Proverbs 27:19)
Stay tuned for Final Thoughts, Part 7.