What is it we see when we look into the mirror of humanity, the oneness that is all of us? We recognize traits in others because we know hints of them in ourselves. In our oneness, we are mirrors for each other, reflecting the world to all.
There is a Sanskrit “great saying” or pronouncement from the Hindu Upanishads–Tat Tvam Asi–that is often translated as “you are that” or “that you are.” Essentially, the idea is that each one of us is unique and our uniqueness is essential to the oneness of all existence.
Oneness never diminishes the individual but rather, each is part of the whole, occupying a unique space in a single moment of existence. That is the gift of oneness, allowing us to mirror the world for one another. It is how we recognize ourselves.
If we celebrate our relationship to one another, our focus shifts to what connects us and not to what separates us. Imagine the possibilities in this 21st century. For the first time in the history of humanity, we have the technology to create global awareness one person at a time, the only way change is ever truly affected.
We live in a fractious and fearful world but our moment, our time is unique to us, just as it was for all who came before us. That seems to be the way of existence. Yet unlike previous generations, we are able to criss-cross the globe electronically, offering ourselves to relationships we would never know otherwise. Technology brings us closer to one another than we have ever been.
It is not an opportunity that has come before, and perhaps it is not an opportunity that will come again. The world grows smaller as we grow closer to one another. “It is only by risking ourselves from one hour to another that we live at all” (William James). Such is existence.
Each moment is rife with infinite possibilities if we are aware, completely present to what is occurring, giving it our complete attention. In becoming more aware within ourselves, we let go of past ideals and future wishes to look into the mirror of what is, the present.
In the present, we recognize that we are always in relationship no matter where we are for we are always connected to life. That is our connection to oneness, our sharing of life with every pollinating bee, blade of grass, drop of water, and mountain peak. Everywhere we look, the world holds itself up to us.
The reflection of all that connects us is so much more than what separates us. If nothing else, such a look in the mirror that is the world broadens our perceptions for rather than being attached to only one way of being, we are presented with the life force that flows through all beings. It seems so worth the risk.
Bits and pieces of this revised post originally appeared as “The Mirror That is You.”
KM Huber's Blog 
I was reminded yesterday at a women’s AA meeting that, as an introvert, I need to be aware of when solitude slips into isolation. Email, texts l and facebook are sometimes a sneaky way of NOT connecting for me. I know I NEED to be around people some, but it’s not always what I WANT to do. Ah, back to the balance issue once again. Your posts are always thought-provoking and take me to places I might not go on my own. Thanks to technology!
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Thanks so much, Robin. As a fellow introvert, I must be vigilant regarding my love of solitude. As you say, technology may just be a way that I am avoiding the issue. After all, it took me this long to realize I had missed your comment!!!! Your words inspire me to reach out more–preferably in both ways–for as you say, the world really is almost at our fingertips. We’ll take small steps, okay?
Karen
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Your post helps me stay connected — and at peace. Truly a lovely way to start the day and to continue. I’m one of those little brown ducks in your photo, anonymous, and yet quite happily paddling away toward some goal, yet connected to all that surrounds me, partly through your writings that celebrate life and awareness. Thank you! And, we wound up writing somewhat about the same thing this week — peace!
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Sorry I missed your lovely comment, Beth. I just realized it. I remember your peace post and thinking the same. I enjoyed your poems of October and more than once, your words eased a day for me. Thanks for your kind words and glad you enjoyed the post.
Karen
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I take great comfort in the belief we are all connected. That makes your success mine and mine yours. We need not compete if we are striving, together, to get to some place better.
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Yes, Adrian, we need not compete but to walk together to face whatever is. Thank you for that.
Karen
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Hi Karen and thanks for another wonderful read. So true about how fortunate we are to have technology to bring us together. It really seems to highlight the concept of interconnectedness but at the same time, we have to remain mindful not to get sucked in/dependent. For me, it has become about balance as I now leave my phone at home when I head out to enjoy the beauty of the park with the dogs and simply connect with the world around me. Great reminder that everything around us is basically a mirror, we just have to remember to take a moment, connect with the present and really see. Have a wonderful day. 🙂
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Hi, Stephanie!
Good for you for leaving your phone at home! I have high hopes that technology can help us see ourselves so we do better but you know what an optimist I am. Thanks for the reminder regarding balance for it is the middle way that allows us the appreciation of both sides. Thanks for another wonderful comment, Stephanie.
Karen
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I have the same hope as you do, Karen, that the world wide web can connect us in ways that we only dreamed about before. Posts like this are vanguards for the oneness to come. {{{Hugs}}} Kozo
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Ah, thanks so much, Kozo. Your Bloggers for Peace movement is the standard for embracing that connection, as far I am concerned. Thanks for that and all you do, my friend.
Karen
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The shrinking of our world via technology seems to have potential to both amplify our differences (by making us aware that there are others who differ from us) and to remind us of our sameness. It is up to each of us which direction we want to take in our reactions. I am working to increasingly see and live into the interconnectedness and unity of us all in the hopes that I can begin to be the change I want to see in the world. Thanks for this thoughtful post!
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Hi, Kenetha!
Just as you say, we must be the change we want to see, which is up to us, always. Thanks for that reminder. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Karen
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So much good stuff in this post, Karen! Connection, focus, love. I wonder if we have always, on a level we don’t consciously recognize, known we are connected? I think so. (And I mean all of us, not just the gurus who gentle us awake.) I am grateful for this technology that lets me read your words, breathing in peace on a Sunday morning. Have a wonderful day!
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I do think we know that we are all connected and that we always have. Perhaps it is the many layers of physical existence that cloud the issue but for me, one of the most positive aspects of the technology of our days is that we may peel back the layers and find one another, again. Thanks so much, as always, for your thoughtful comment.
Karen
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I agree with you 100%! (And it’s kind of fun to wonder if I always have!) 🙂
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