Confucius wrote, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is the noblest; second, by imitation, which is the easiest; There is a Zen proverb from ancient Chinese wisdom: “You cannot see your reflection in running water, only in still water.”

Once again, nature becomes a metaphor for life itself. When water is disturbed, it cannot reflect. In the same way, when the mind is unsettled, it cannot reflect. third, by experience, which is the bitterest.” (In Lunyu, Confucius, c. 206 B.C.)

Confucius wrote, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is the noblest; second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest.” (In Lunyu, Confucius, c. 206 B.C.)

Sometimes, spiritual reflection opens the door to transformation and healing. The following spiritual practice offers a set of questions that can guide this process. It is based on Gestalt Psychology, Jungian Psychology, Core Transformation, Embodiment, the Enneagram’s Centers of Intelligence and soul qualities, Neurolinguistic Programming, and Rational Emotive Therapy.

Think of when you have sat around a campfire or on a porch, talking for hours with dear friends. The group may reflect on a common experience or other sides of this wonderful and challenging life. What a gift are those informal times of reflection shared with others. However, group reflection can have an intentionally spiritual focus.

Some spiritual reflection can take the shape of reverie, a state of pleasant daydreaming during our waking hours. Reverie carries dream-like qualities, such as being lost in thought when time seems suspended. The operative word in the definition of reverie is “pleasant.” It is a gentle, uplifting state of consciousness because the mind, heart, and body experience something positive.

Spiritual reflection is a type of learning. It illuminates truths we once knew but forgot, or truths we are only beginning to realize. Spiritual reflection has a vital intention— to increase our soul’s beautiful qualities and purpose. It does this by raising awareness of the world, who we are, and who others are. Being conscious of these activates our purpose and informs our state of being. Spiritual reflection is quite different from replaying and entertaining memories. It is a spiritual exercise that teaches us various aspects of life that we may not realize or know about. Only by spiritually reflecting upon a person, conversation, or circumstance, is the teaching revealed.

It isn't easy to enter spiritual reflection when we are inundated with the story of “Me.” It seems that throughout our waking lives, we are constantly hypnotized by the fascinating movie, "Me.”