9 Messages from Mirrors

As a communications device, mirrors act as both senders and receivers. They show you what’s going on in your surroundings while sharing your reflection with others. Similarly, people act as mirrors, delivering life lessons to you, and reflecting back what they perceive coming from you.

 

mirrorsMotorcycle mirrors reflect information surrounding the rider and present it in a meaningful way – designed for safety. Yet their messages go beyond safety, extending to life lessons you can benefit from every day.

 

9 messages from mirrors

 

 

  1. Safety. As the paramount function for riders, motorcycle mirrors reflect surrounding activity you need to make a decision on your safety. Similarly, people will alert you to physical and emotional hazards, which you may be blind to.

 

  1. Perspective. Even given a large image, your eye may be drawn to a specific detail, precluding you from seeing the big picture. It’s a dangerous practice on a motorcycle and it’s dangerous in life. Granted, you may need to make a quick decision, but base it on as much information as possible.

 

  1. Flaws. Imagine if all you could see in the motorcycle mirror were problems. You can if that’s what you’re looking for. And if that’s the case, you might as well park it and take up something else.

 

  1. Beauty. Focusing exclusively on either flaws or beauty is not healthy, on the road or in life. The trick is to take neither personally and keep a balanced perspective. Remember the beauty you see in others is present in you. Really! You choose where to focus.

 

  1. Appearance. Mirrors reflect what they see, whether they’re on your motorcycle reflecting traffic or they’re another person responding to your actions. If someone is responding negatively to you, step back and consider what you’re showing that mirror.

 

  1. Distortions. The reflection that comes back to you has gone through any imperfections or flaws on a mirror’s surface, and may misrepresent reality. Likewise, opinions of others are filtered through their perceptions and beliefs. Keep that in mind when they’re offering advice.

 

  1. Awareness. Whether you want to look or not, what’s there is there. Better to look and deal with the facts than to plead ignorance, especially if there’s a Mack truck bearing down on you.

 

  1. Feelings. Images in a mirror or reactions to other people can elicit fear, anger or tension. On the road, it’s usually related to perceived harm. The same is true in life. If others are causing you to feel that way, reflect on why you are responding in such a manner and look for the lesson.

 

  1. Repetition. If you keep seeing flashing lights in your mirror, it’s time to adjust your riding habits. Likewise, if different people keep telling you the same thing, ask yourself what the message is, and what they’re seeing that you’re not.

 

 

Mirrors are carefully designed to serve a vital function – i.e. protect you from harm. Learn from them. The next time you see the same reflection, you’ll know how to respond. But remember – even with mirrors, there are blind spots.
 

photo credit: Bill Gracey via photopin cc

About

Author, writer, and student Liz Jansen combines her artistic mediums to create stories that inspire readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.