Reflection

Examine Thoughts and Feelings

Something has been occupying too much space in your mind and life. This card brings a clear message to create time to reflect on this matter so you can resolve and be free of it. While your focus keeps returning to this issue, it creates reflected information and evidence that validates your beliefs. For example, if you think about yellow cars, you will see them wherever you go. This is caused by a filtering system in the brain stem called the Reticular Activating System (RAS). It filters out uninteresting input so that you are not overwhelmed by irrelevant details and brings your attention to anything deemed important or that you are focused on. This filter also applies to your values and beliefs. The matter you’ve been preoccupied with has layers and facets that may be complicating or influencing your decisions. Contemplate and break the matter into its many parts. Then, do your best to step beyond its influence. Expand your beliefs and values so you can act in fresh ways and create novel experiences. For new adventures, ride the wave of self-reflection towards your dreams and desires.

Shadow Mastery Class: The Mirror Reflects Wisdom

Meditation

Place your hand on the card. Gently close your eyes. Sense your body and concentrate on your breathing. Follow your breath inward. Hold for five seconds and relax. Breathe out and release all tension. Focus on the middle of your chest.

In front of you, a golden staircase descends into the earth. As you walk down the ten healing steps to a magical, amethyst crystal cave, reflect on new ways to experience life.

Step into the amethyst cave and greet your shadow. In front of you is a holographic door. Step through the virtual door into a room containing three huge mirrors.

Look into the first mirror. A person, animal or thing you truly love appears in the reflection. Feel the love shining towards you. Open your heart to receive and send love back to what or who you love.

Gaze into the second mirror. A person, animal or thing you don’t like is being reflected to you. Notice any uncomfortable feelings. This can be difficult but take a breath. And breathe into the uncomfortable feelings. Imagine any tender spots filled with your healing life force. Begin to heal and liberate any discomfort. You are doing so well.

Now, look into the third mirror. See your soul within the glass and feel unconditional love staring back at you. See the qualities of your soul: love, wisdom and bliss. Know they are within you. Allow new parts of your soul to be reflected. You are becoming more self-aware. Breathe in your potential. Stay here for as long as you like-at least thirty seconds.

Leave the mirror room through the holographic door of light and exit the amethyst cave. Walk to the golden staircase. As you ascend, reflections of your soul dance all around you. Each step gives you more meaningful choices and empowerment. Thank your shadow for reflecting all levels and dimensions of you. At the top of the stairs, take two deep breaths, open your eyes and realize you are more than you think you are.

Inspired Insights, Reflections and Actions

Consider the following:

*The most important relationship you have is with yourself. Every relationship you have, whether with a person, animal, situation, place, thing, thought or emotion, reflects this relationship. What do you like about yourself? Do you treat yourself the way you treat loved ones?

*Before you say anything in anger or judgment, stop, reflect and ask yourself, “Is this accurate, helpful and kind?”

*Research the Reticular Activating System (RAS) and mirror neurons.

Journal Work

Explore your relationship with the humans you first encounters-your parents or guardians. Whatever your experience with them, trust that they did the best they could, irrespective of their history. This exercise is not about forgiveness or blame; it is an unbiased reflection designed to expand your mind and consciousness with objective information. Write or draw three answers for each question so you can reflect on all sides in a balanced way.

*Who would I be if I had different parents/guardians?

*What kind of parents/guardians would I have preferred?

*What are the benefits of having the parents/guardians I have?

*What are the drawbacks of having the parents/guardians I have?

*How would I like to have benefitted from having the parents/guardians I preferred?

*What would be the disadvantages of having the parents/guardians I preferred?