I Am the Mirror, Reflecting
Reflection: #23
I sat at my keyboard and typed, and in a virtual state of no-mind, Creation poured out through my fingers and onto the screen, and it revealed such simple, yet profound truths that I did not know, yet, somehow, I knew. I don't understand, intellectually, how this works. When I started typing, I wasn't expecting my writing to be any different from the normal daily struggle. But on the particular day in question, words just started flowing. The Muse graced me with her presence.
But here's the thing: I didn't feel inspired before I started. I didn't know the muse was making a rare appearance. Could it be that, for one to feel inspired, for one to enter that state of harmony with Creation, that the Muse must find one working?
For, as I started typing, it was start and stop at first, but then, with an explosion of ideas, the rest of the piece simply poured out of me. It was astounding to watch, for truly, I was merely a spectator and all I tried to do was this: don't stop typing.
When I started writing on this particular personal blog, I called these stream of consciousness pieces, "Reflections." I did so mostly because it was a word I had not seen other writers using and I wanted to at least try to be unique. One member of the writers’ group (the Soaring Twenties Social Club) of which I am a humble member, calls them "Bookmarks." Another actually calls them "Streams of Consciousness." But, and I think the universe had a hand in naming them "Reflections", because, as I sat and watched Creation pour through me, as it revealed a tiny part of its beauty and truth, it dawned on me that this is what artists do - we do our best to act as a receiver, or a mirror and we REFLECT a tiny bit of Creation’s beauty and make that tiny sliver available to others in that REFLECTION.
We are the mirror, but the universe provides the beauty. And so, I will continue to do the work and let the Muse find me working so that when Creation is ready, I can be the mirror.
"the uncreated, eternal life of God, the divine life uniquely possessed by God." As I child of God I appreciated this line in your blog. I look to the Creator of all creation to guide and lead me in my life, in my art. He has given me His life that abides in me by His Holy Spirit. I look, observe or notice creation and it helps me to know God better. I see His amazing order and faithfulness in the return of the seasons each year. I see His love of color, design, texture and so much more as I observe leaves, flowers or the face of another human, all so unique and so special. I see His sense of humor as I observe the platypus. God has given me faith to believe Him and His promise of eternal life. His peace is amazing and His love for all He has created. It makes me want to create to honor Him and as you say to reflect Him.
True reflection, if we slow down long enough, yields helpful insights. Sometimes even breakthroughs for our problems or creative roadblocks. I think this is the gift of stream of consciousness and journal writing. It’s a practice, taking us away from the noise, social media, and thrum of daily life. Reflection is good for the soul, and our creative growth.