“The essence of bravery is being without self-deception.”

Pema Chodron

Mind Mirrors

Our minds, like our bodies, are also incredible “machines”, constantly processing data…even as we sleep. But if we do not regularly Pause to check on its condition, we can be walking very quickly into a slew of problems…and the longer we ignore things, the deeper in trouble we can find ourselves.

As I mentioned in a previous post, checking on our “mental iOS” is crucial to the way we are processing our world: how we see the people, things and events in our world is constantly filtered by our mind. Our beliefs, coupled with our experiences, are pretty much running the show within us…and it is OUR job (no one else’s!) to monitor how these are influencing our subsequent thoughts and responses. Again, what happens outside us is not under our control…but how we choose to respond is totally our decision, every time.

Pausing to assess even one thought – its past origin, its impact on my actions, whether I want it to continue doing so – is SO crucial! Because if each of us neglects what our “mind mirror” is reflecting to us, how in the world is anything ever going to change…whether for ME…or for our world?!

Fortunately our “mind mirror” gives us reminders through the attached emotions to a thought or belief. If we briefly Pause to tune in to a feeling, trace it to its original thought/belief/expectation…we can begin the process of assessing what is being reflected to us in our mirror…and then begin to use the truths we see revealed to enable us to change.

And remember, these do not have to be giant changes…

We most successfully and fully effect change with the smallest of steps…

Repeated again and again.

What one small thing will you choose to do differently today as you work on adjusting your mental reflection?

Spiritual Mirrors

And finally we have our “spiritual mirror”.

I use the word “spiritual” here as a “guide word” for simply noticing, and being curious about, the energy that moves you. The impetus that gets you up and going…your deepest internal motivation…the part of you that holds the passion you have for what makes you unique.

This part of you is pure and beautiful and whole…and waiting to be uncovered…actually, rediscovered… because, yes indeed, it is already there and always has been. Sadly, most of us are experienced…and yes even talented(!)… at covering it up or ignoring it. But this does not negate its existence…or its power.

This is the “voice undercurrent”, if you will, we all have within that may speak, scream or whisper to you about the path of integrity you know you were created to follow.

This is your True Self.

And whether we choose to listen or not…

It’s always speaking.

And you know that feeling you get when you feel something is missing in your life?

I have good news.

It’s not “out there” somewhere.

No.

It’s within you.

Has been all along.

This True Self is what we’ve really been looking for all along…and it’s what we ultimately want to see in our mirror every moment of every day.

When we turn away from any part of what we see or hear, in ANY of our mirrors…or even from what we imagine we’ll see (yes, we may often carry erroneous delusions!), we avoid the opportunity to uncover the gem that we are within.

But our spiritual mirror – our heart and soul – is the power behind, the foundation under, everything else.

It’s the Master Switch for Change.

Take a Pause and listen to your internal pure and wise “voice”?

What is it saying?

Notice its volume, its tone.

Perhaps notice how long its been speaking.

What messages are being ignored?

And then maybe gently ask “Why is this so?”

Notice the answers.

The Voice only speaks with Love.

Love for you.

Love for others.

Love for our world.

This Voice will never use belittling language regarding how it “looks” in there right now.

It only speaks with Love.

It reminds us that we are seeing reflections…

As they are NOW.

Pausing to see the truth founded in Love enables us to see where a change is most needed.

The change will cause the next reflection to be shifted…

And that means we no longer need to be afraid.

Because the reflections will change…even as we change.

Our mirrors help us to adjust…

Until Fear is gone

And only Love remains.

So for now, choose one small thing to do differently today as you work on adjusting your spiritual reflection. What is your Voice’s message?

But Still: Why Look?!

Does all this “reflection” take time?

Yes.

But not as much as you’d think.

And so worth it.

Does it take effort?

Of course!

But not as much as you’d think.

And so worth it.

Might this be a painful process…?

Sometimes yes…

BUT…

What happens during the uncovering process, as we choose to stay just a little longer looking in the mirror, is the reward of revealed beauty…

the reward of freedom of mind, body and spirit…

Unified.

Whole.

Pausing gives the reward of healing.

What happens during the process of peering deeply into our mirrors is the lessening of our self-imposed suffering.

And that means rediscovering our peace and happiness.

It’s SO worth every moment we spend…

Because WE are worth it.

Take Heart

As Chodron says,

“The essence of bravery is being without self-deception.”

The word courage comes from the French root word “cœur” which means “heart”.

It takes delving into our very hearts to find what we’ve been searching for…

And to rediscover everything we will ever need.

Am I ready to be courageous?

Am I ready to stop deceiving myself?

Am I ready to look deeply and truthfully into each of my mirrors…

Without judgement…

Choosing curiosity over fear…

So I can see Who I Truly Am?

Just Pause for a moment…

Look deeply…

Once again…

Or perhaps for the first time.

And bravely wonder…

“Who exactly IS that that I see in there in this moment?”

Then…vowing only to turn away when the belief in the power of change has covered your heart entirely…

You then walk through your day armed with your courageous intention…

To fully mirror The Complete Truth of You.

Part 2/2