Distorted Reflections

Water distorts everything it reflects to some degree. On a calm, windless day the differences may be almost imperceptible. On wavy days the water creates a mashup of light, motion and shadow, jumbling the reflected visuals into something unrecognizable. Then there are days like the one above, when my shadow image reflected from the dock is clear, but gently retooled into something mystical.

This image could be a metaphor for the distortion we carry in our deeply-held concept of ourselves. Throughout our lives we create a narrative of who we are. Much of that story is based on past experience, conjecture into the future, and is not an accurate rendering of who you are in this moment. When we live within that constructed version of the self, we work hard to manipulate the world around us to maintain that concept of the self. But it is a hopeless endeavor as we cannot control anything beyond ourselves. Letting go of the facade of self opens you up to vast opportunity to live differently... to allow yourself to evolve naturally, without restriction.
 
The book "The Untethered Soul, by Michael Singer, offers a deeper look into this phenomenon. Singer discusses the role of ego in driving our thoughts and behavior. Once you have an awareness of this dynamic, you can see the power ego has over how you live your life. With awareness comes the chance to move away from the narrative of who you are, and open yourself up to who you might become.

https://untetheredsoul.com/untethered-soul