Mirror, Mirror . . .

"Projection always hides a feeling you don't want to look at. If you examine any negative trait you insist is present in another person, you will find that same trait hiding in yourself. The more you deny this trait, the more strongly you will have to project it." - Dr. Deepak Chopra

The tendency to judge others seems to find a home in most of us, and at those times when we encounter an individual whom we see as objectionable- in appearance or personality, or both- our first reaction may be to want to get away from that person's energy as quickly as possible.

What I have discovered as I continue on my spiritual journey is exactly what Deepak Chopra is referring to: Every person in my life is serving as my mirror.

Of course, that's the good news too, isn't it?

When we can see the light in another, we can rest assured it is but a reflection of our own light. That just seems to be how mirrors work.

Sometimes I like what I see in the mirror better than other times. Generally, however, at those times when I can catch myself slipping into judgment, remembering Chopra's mirror concept, I'm quick to realize that ultimately the person I'm really judging is myself.

My awareness is that the more a person offends me, the deeper the trigger point lies within myself.

If it were not so, that person's presence would have no effect upon me whatsoever. There has to be a point of identification within me, in order for me to be able to identify it in another. Again, that just seems to be the way mirrors work.

With this in mind, I am more able to see what a great opportunity every person offers me to heal some aspect of my own being when I am open, aware and teachable.

Have you ever considered the idea that everyone and everything around you is your master teacher? It is true.

Notice how our best lessons often come to us in the form of the people we have the most negative charge with. In other words, our best teachers are not always those to whom we feel like bringing apples.

What I have personally discovered, however, is that it isn't easy to be taught by someone who is in my judgment offensive. This is where I get to play the "God game."

Because I believe the divinity of God resides at the center of all human beings, regardless of whether they know it or not, as I look into that person's eyes, I silently say to myself, "Okay, God, I know you're in there somewhere . . . good try! You almost fooled me this time, but I know you're in there hiding, so just come on out!"

Amazingly enough, often the barriers melt away, my judgment dissolves, and I receive the lesson my teacher has to offer. Of course the "game" is how long it takes me to stop judging, isn't it?

Today, work at being teachable by becoming the observer of your thoughts and judgments about others. Don't allow any thought about another- positive or negative- to slip by unnoticed. When that person offers you a rare glimpse into yourself, smile and silently say thank you to your master teacher of the moment.

Take the lesson that is being offered you and see how it applies in your life. Remember, you are also a reflection in their eyes. May they realize that the love they see in you is but a reflection of their own divine nature.

Dennis Merritt Jones is the spiritual director for OneSpirit Center for Conscious Living in Simi Valley. To see more of his writings, please check out www.DennisMerrittJones.com or visit www.OneSpirit.org.