The Eye Cannot See Itself

Reflections on Oneness

Robert Edward Grant tells the story of the human eye cannot see itself. It needs a mirror to see itself. He likens that to Consciousness. Meaning that we are the mirrors, so to speak, that makes it possible for Consciousness to perceive itself.

That's not an easy concept to wrap your head around. I know it’s a little woo-woo, but bear with me…

So, What Acts as the Mirror?

You do. I do. All of us.

We, as individual beings with thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, are like facets of a great mirror, allowing pure Consciousness to "see" or experience aspects of itself.

In other words:

• Your life experiences,

• Your relationships,

• Your emotions, joys, and struggles,

... are all like reflections in a mirror, revealing back to the Source (Consciousness) what it is by what it is not, or what it can become aware of.

So, Why This Matters Spiritually.

Well, this metaphor dissolves the idea that we're separate from God, or Source, or Consciousness. Whatever name you're comfortable with.

Instead, it reveals something beautiful:

We are the means through which the Infinite becomes self-aware.

So when you:

• Meditate,

• Contemplate truth,

• Love another,

• Heal from trauma,

• Create art,

...you are helping Consciousness witness itself through the form you're inhabiting.

Think of a vast ocean. Consciousness is the ocean.

Each wave on the surface, every person, every life, is a momentary reflection, giving the ocean shape and motion. Without waves, the ocean is still… undifferentiated. Through the waves, it dances.

You are a wave through which the ocean knows its own movement.

So even though we appear to be separate beings in bodies, the One Self is learning to remember Itself through the reflections of seeming others.

You — me — are the mirror in which God’s love looks back at itself and says,

“Ah, yes, that’s Me.”

This is what it means for Consciousness to perceive itself through you.

Here's a guided reflection that's designed to help you experience yourself as the mirror. the portal through which Consciousness perceives Itself.

Close your eyes.

Breathe slowly and deeply.

Let the outer world fall away for just a moment.

Feel your breath rise… and fall… like waves in an ocean.

You are not your thoughts.

You are not your body.

You are that which is aware of them.

You are the eye that sees… but cannot see itself.

Imagine now that in front of you appears a mirror — simple, clear, and luminous.

This mirror represents your mind.

It reflects everything it believes to be true, about the world, about others, about yourself.

For a moment, look into this mirror and notice what it shows you.

• What do you see reflected?

• What stories do you tell about yourself?

• Are they loving… or fearful?

Take a breath.

There is no judgment here. Just noticing.

Now, Invoke the Presence of Another.

Let the image of someone come to mind, someone close to you, someone who has stirred emotion in you recently, positive or challenging.

Hold their image gently in your awareness.

Look again into the mirror.

Can you see that what you think of them is also a reflection of what you believe about yourself?

Say silently:

“This person is a mirror, showing me what I have not yet fully seen within myself.”

Now… choose to see them through the eyes of Love.

Repeat slowly in your heart.

I am the mirror through which Love remembers Itself.

I choose to see only what is real.

I choose to see only what Source created in me and in others.

Let me remember the Truth through the mirror of forgiveness.

Feel the breath in your body.

Feel the seat beneath you.

Feel your awareness resting gently in the present.

As you open your eyes…

Consider this.

Every face you see today is an opportunity for Consciousness to know Itself more clearly.

Let your kindness, your presence, and your love become the polish that clears the mirror — for you, and for all.

Here's a little daily challenge.

Try this for a day. Watch how your perception shifts.

Before interacting with someone, silently say:

“You are the mirror in which I remember who I really am.”

Ok, that's it for the woo-woo. When I heard Robert share that metaphor, I had to share it. Let me know if these ideas and meditation were helpful.

I'd Love to hear your thoughts!