Be a ‘mirror’, not a ‘camera’

A mirror and a camera both reflect what comes before them, but there is one important difference: a mirror reflects while a camera records and stores. When an image moves away from a mirror, nothing remains. The mirror stays clean. A camera, however, keeps an imprint of what it has captured. Our inner world works the same way. Our consciousness is like a mirror while our mind can become like a camera.

MIND IS JUST A TOOL

The mind has an important purpose. It stores memories, experiences, knowledge, and information. We need it to learn, remember, and function wisely. But there is a deeper understanding: I am not the mind. I am the consciousness that uses the mind.

We are eternal beings of awareness. Yet, gradually, we begin to identify ourselves with our thoughts, memories, and experiences. A passing experience then becomes a stored picture that we continue to replay.

For example, we may see a beautiful car passing by. The moment is gone, but the mind may continue: I wish I had that car. How much does it cost? When can I buy it? The car has disappeared, but we have carried its image with us.

WHAT WE HOLD HOLDS US BACK

Many experiences naturally disappear when we do not give them further attention. But when we repeatedly replay something, we strengthen its impression within ourselves.

This happens with both pleasant and unpleasant experiences. We may hold on to something because we desire it or because we dislike it. In both cases, we remain connected to the image.

A mirror does not judge what appears before it. It does not say, “This is good, so I will keep it,” or “This is bad, so it must pass quickly.” It simply reflects and lets it go. What we hold within ourselves can hold us back. Our inner space becomes occupied by those impressions.

ENJOY EVERYTHING, HOLD NOTHING

To make the mind like a mirror does not mean becoming indifferent. It means experiencing life fully without becoming imprisoned by every experience. Let the good come and go. Let the difficult come and go. Learn from everything, but carry nothing.

When the mind is no longer filled with past impressions, it brings clarity, wisdom, stability, and unadulterated awareness.

The greatest freedom is not to withdraw from life but to live fully in it without being possessed by it. We can enjoy our relationships, responsibilities, and experiences while knowing that none of them defines our true self.

A camera collects images; a mirror remains free.

Let us practise being a mirror: see clearly, experience wholly, learn wisely, and let go. In this way, the inner canvas remains clean, peaceful, and powerful, ready to receive each moment in its entirety.

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Centre, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditation.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow on Instagram: @rajyoga.meditation.jamaica.