Reflections

The end of the year is rapidly approaching... I woke up this morning and immediately began remembering or reflecting on this last year.  I spent some time comparing 2014 to previous years; I even plunged into my distant past. (Scary notion – but it turned out alright).  It is an interesting process, pondering events, times, places and people that have passed through and left a mark on your life.

Reflection is not the snapshot of a “selfie” in your bathroom mirror, by the way.  When we reflect, we peer into, look deeply and see an image mirrored back. Time is warped! You might find yourself lingering in the memory or doing an about face, quick exit!  Sometimes the images are blurry and unclear. While other memories reproduce a crystal clear reflection.  Our emotions are shaken and may be stirred a little.  Spontaneous laughter, unexpected tears, hands-on-cheeks, “oh my gosh” astonishment and possibly the “wow, I’d forgotten all about that” are reflected back to us.  With our senses resurrected - we smell the aroma of the past. We taste the essence of the memory.  We spend time meditating on the touch of a breeze, the chill of a winter’s morn, or the caress of a loved one. If we still ourselves, we will hear the echoes. Sounds rebound, reverberating every pitch and tone –laughter, melodic voices, gleeful cries, encouraging words and the exciting animation of past events. Caught up in thought, your taste buds erupt, recalling the taste of that perfect meal or the salt of the ocean spray. In deep contemplation, smells are enhanced and beckon you - Granma’s fresh baked cinnamon rolls, the pine and spices of Christmas, the mustiness of an aged treasure or the scent of a Spring garden!  Warm, safe and serene, we can nestle up under the covers, and sigh like a child with their favorite cozy blanket, comforted by sweet memories.

Yes, I know.  Not all memories are sweet.  We all have our vexing remembrances. Regarding these recollections, use reflection to “work stuff out.”  I encourage you not to magnify their mirrored images.  Don’t dwell on imperfections; don’t examine every mistake as a flaw, or disappointment as a disfigurement.  Plug your nose, cover your eyes and ears, spit out the distasteful and shake off every disturbing reflection like a creepy crawly insect!  Disregard, move beyond, let go, cast down,  do “whatever” is required to relinquish the power of harmful memories. Instead, think on those things that are lovely, good, honorable, pure, and kind, reflect on images that bring lasting peace.

After reflecting, many individuals seek change or desire growth.  Every New Year people around the world promise themselves to break habits or begin new ones - “it’s time to quit” or “it’s time to start!”  Goals!  Plans! Self-Improvement! Corporations forecast production targets to boost morale and release creativity. Businesses, large and small, project and plan for increase and expansion. New slogans! Fresh advertisements! Grand Openings! And unfortunately – Going Out of Business Sales! Reorganization and downsizing!

If I were to ask you, “what lies ahead?” What is just beyond your fingertip reach? What are your resolutions? What do you want to change, do, or accomplish?”  What would you say?  Would you instantly have an answer?  Or would you need time to reflect?

At the end of my morning reflections ... I pondered this question:  What really should be studied, considered or reflected upon?  I concluded this:  At this very moment, a year from now, what reflection do you want to see? Selah...

One of my favorite artists is Claude Monet.  He would spend hours waiting for the perfect light to cast shadows and vibrant reflections. I cannot agree more with his words. “It’s on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way.  So we must dig and delve unceasingly.”   I encourage you to wait and search for the perfect Light to illuminate your path in 2015.

Happy New Year!

Cheryl

Monet's Water Lilies...