The Magic of Reflection

In many fairy tales a mirror or a still pond are important to the story.  The reflection seen gives a magical truth.  Since metaphors about magic have a lot of wisdom for all wise magicians I would like to explore the ideas of reflection.  First of all, when we reflect on something we gain a deeper understanding of it.  That certainly will bring better things into our life.  If a loved one snaps at us we may be able to understand what is stressing them if we reflect on the incident.  Then we can strengthen the relationship by helping to relieve their stress.  There are myriad times when it is wise to reflect on news stories, comments in the media, even advertisements.  When we process the information we gain from that reflection we can make a more logical decision about what we have heard or read.  Another aspect of reflection as mentioned in fairy tales is that when a mirror reflects something it turns it around.  We can get some powerful insights when we think about things from different perspectives.  Look at something from the other side, backwards, upside down.  Critical thinking is an important skill that too few people develop in themselves. Clear, problem solving thinking is an important habit of mind to develop.  Creative thinking is not the opposite of critical thinking.  The creative thinker wants to solve a problem.  But intuition may well come into play in creative thinking. It is a good idea to take the time to process our ideas and what we take in regarding the ideas of others.  Lies and superstition can't take hold of the mind of a person who bothers to reflect.  Reflection is also used in another way.  A shiny object reflects back the light that hits it.  As wise magicians we can reflect the light of wisdom, integrity, courage, kindness and happiness.  Or any other virtue we want to send back into the world.  Take the time to reflect.  It will bring magic into your life.  May the spark be with you.