by Kim
To reflect is to bring something back . . . to change its direction, like a mirror.
Or to reflect like water . . . (which makes great abstracts!)
You could even say that our cameras are reflective. Not just in the fact that they use mirrors to reflect back to a sensor in order to record what we see, but they also reflect who we are in the kind of images we make. We give the sensor information that determines the quality of what it reflects back and when we don't give it the proper information it can fall short in reflecting our vision.
The nature of reflections whether it be light or sound waves is determined by physics and although the quality of either may differ from object to object the outcome, or way it happens, won't change. They have no choice but to give back what they receive, no hold backs.
But, there is another kind of reflection that has nothing to do with physics or light or radio waves. It's our ability as humans to reflect on our lives, our past memories and to think deeply and thoughtfully. And because we are not governed by the law of physics in our reflecting we have the unique ability to reflect back good, even though some of the reflections directed at us are not. We have the choice to give back more than we receive and with it the capacity to transform the world.
"Be a reflection of what you'd like to see in others!
If you want love, give love, if you want honesty,
give honesty, if you want respect, give respect.
You get in return, what you give!"
- Ernest Holmes
I have to wonder what would happen if we changed our thinking as a society, from treating others the way they treat us, to treating others the way we want to be treated. To listen, and to reflect back so that others know they've been seen and heard. To reflect back the good on those days that others cannot. Because reflections are like a chain reaction and we have the power to change them.
Yes, to reflect is to bring something back . . . to change its direction, like a mirror.
[Reflections are some of my favorite things to photograph and I look forward to seeing what you have to share. What are some of your favorite kinds of reflections?]
Love, Kim
[Reflections are some of my favorite things to photograph and I look forward to seeing what you have to share. What are some of your favorite kinds of reflections?]
Love, Kim
14 comments:
As usual Kim, your reflections are beautiful - beautifully written and beautifully photographed, as well as beautifully considered. If everyone treated each other as you suggest, as the song says, "what a wonderful world this would be!"
Beautiful reflections in your images and wonderful words that we each need to take to heart! I can still remember my mom as she said that famous line...Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!
I forgot to mention how much I'm enjoying your new Springy header!
Absolutely fabulous post, Kim! I love the way you've considered different types of "reflections" (as well as your amazing photos of some of them!) and especially the final kind of reflection, the giving back what we want to receive. I often wonder why that's such a hard premise for so many people. I mean the idea is as old as "do unto others" but still we don't get it. I am going to be thinking about this and making sure that I am giving everything I hope to receive. Thank you for your beautiful words and photos to start my morning off on the right foot.
Wonderful post Kim! So many different aspects of "reflections" and the true meaning behind them! This world would be a much better place if people would treat each other with respect and kindness…after all, isn't that what everyone desires? Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day :)
Great post.
Just think what this world would be like, if everyone treated each person with the love and respect, that they want in return.
So many old sayings that we've heard, that try to teach us this lesson...all the way back to that 'Do unto others...'
I know, that people have been mean to one another, since the beginning of time. But, is it just me, or does the meaness seem more 'in your face', these days? I've never been one to believe the 'words will never hurt me' saying. Words hurt more than anything. Once words are out there, they can never be taken back.
We need more kind words, floating around out there.
Thanks, Kim. And, thanks for sharing those beautiful photos. Love that water reflection!
.
Kim, your blog site is a beautiful destination; you have made it so inviting with your images and layout design. Today's post is a wonderful read and a wonderful combination of textual and photographic content. If I were a kitten, I'd feel like purring...haha
gorgeous images kim! i am true believer in giving out what you'd like to receive.
Wonderful, thought-provoking words on 'reflections' and certainly a lesson we all need to learn and remember: Be a reflection of what you'd like to see in others. Thank you, Kim
A Maya Angelou quote that I always try to remember is "I've learned that people will forget what you did, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I love your words - your ideas today.
This is wonderful! I hear so many state that they will treat you they way you treat them which makes the onus on others to respect first. I fully agree that we need to be the initiators of good, not just the ones who reciprocate. If we each take on the responsibility it would change the world...none of this you go first stuff.
Beautiful Kim! I wonder too, if all the world could wake up choosing joy, a positive attitude, and treat others with kindness and respect every day...maybe the word "rude" would be taken out of the dictionary...!! Great post!!
that's good…...
beautiful images with inspiring thoughts. thank you kim! xo's!
Post a Comment
Thank you for sharing part of your day with us. If for any reason you are unable to leave a comment here on this post, please leave your comment on our Facebook page or in our Flickr discussion group. We love hearing from you!