The Polished Mirror

Learning to Face Yourself

Roger: That dog’s fear of its own reflection shows me how much I need to face myself.

Murshid: Exactly! People talk searching for God or enlightenment, like it’s somehow ‘out there.’ Ultimately we find our truth within ourselves.

The Sufis often use the metaphor of mirror polishing for this lesson. Old dull metal had to be scrubbed and scrubbed until your image became clear. So too must you rid yourself of fear and negativity, which blocks you from God’s love. Spiritual growth can be painful, but it’s not a punishment. Think of it more like the necessary work you have to do to see yourself, and the world around you, with pure vision.

Pin the tale: How are you trying to polish the mirror to reflect pure love?