July 26th

  " Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back"
  -Buddha 


   Self-reflection has been on my mind as of late; those quite moments when you are able to look at yourself and see who you really are. It's also in these solemn communions with self that one finds who they want to become, all their dreams slowly surface and deftly twist and turn through the infinite possibilities of the future. You recall the lessons you may have learned recently, you recount words spoken and deeds done and you reenact scenes in your minds, both of triumph and defeat. 
    It may be said that practice of Self-reflection can both be beneficial and detrimental. Beneficial in the fact that weaknesses and strengths are laid out in the mind for critical consideration, an opportunity to contrast and compare, almost to take stock of where you have come and what still holds you back. Goals can then be set, a new path taken, spirit renewed. Self improvement is a constant journey, but with out taking the time to sit back and see where you are, your journey quickly becomes a series of meaningless meanderings,you become a constant wanderer. But careful consideration can give purpose, can give meaning, can give the strength and the ability to move forward. If often doesn't take a lot of change, in fact improvement often means slight calibrations to an already good thing, a refocusing of already great power and potential as it were.
    These moments can quickly become detrimental though when no action is taken. The mind can in fact be poisoned by the constant longing and dreaming of a better future when nothing is done to gain that future. The idea ferments; like a malicious acid slowly tearing away the silver linings to our days and eating away the precious gold that are our strengths. The inaction can lead to bitter, hateful feelings for our true selves; accomplishments become trivial compared to the ethereal vision of who we wish to be, nothing is good enough, the world itself becomes dull and meaningless and the compliments and honest love of others are pushed aside. Worthlessness permeates ones thoughts, and slowly one loses faith, love and energy. Our darkest moments come from our own imaginations. 
      Here we see the clear distinction, the need for quiet meditation is essential to growth and true happiness. But without sincere consideration and effective action, meditation is useless. Words alone cannot save a man, consistent effort is necessary. While at first glance it may seem daunting, these clear sincere meditations can become beautiful and graceful, both needed and desired.