DEFINITION

Being reflected is the act of seeing oneself mirrored or represented in the world around us. It is the recognition of one’s own identity, thoughts, beliefs, and values in the people and situations we encounter. Being reflected is an important aspect of self-awareness and personal growth, as it allows us to better understand ourselves and our place in the world. In this text, we will explore the value of being reflected, its social implications, and how to be reflected in a positive and meaningful way.

RELEVANCE

The social implications of being reflected are vast and varied. When we see ourselves reflected in others, it can bring a sense of validation and connection. It can help us feel understood and accepted, which is crucial for building healthy relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. On the other hand, the lack of reflection can lead to feelings of alienation and isolation, as if we are not seen or heard by those around us.

In a broader sense, being reflected in society can also have political and cultural implications. Representation matters, and when certain groups are consistently marginalized or erased from the public discourse, it can perpetuate social inequalities and injustices. For example, the lack of diverse representation in media and pop culture can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce systems of oppression.

HOW TO BE

So how can we be reflected in a good way? One key aspect is to cultivate self-awareness and a sense of identity. This involves reflecting on our own thoughts, feelings, and values, and being open to exploring and understanding different aspects of ourselves. By knowing ourselves better, we can better recognize when we are being reflected and when we are not.

Another important way to be reflected in a positive way is to seek out diverse perspectives and experiences. Surrounding ourselves with people who are different from us can help us broaden our understanding of the world and challenge our preconceived notions. It can also help us see ourselves in others, even if they are different from us in some ways.

Additionally, being reflected in a good way involves being open to feedback and reflection from others. Sometimes, we may not see ourselves accurately, and it can be helpful to have trusted friends or mentors provide us with insights and perspectives that we may have missed. Being open to feedback can help us grow and develop as individuals.

Finally, being reflected in a good way also means being mindful of how we reflect others. It is important to treat others with respect and empathy, and to be aware of how our words and actions impact those around us. By being a positive reflection for others, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone

THOUGHTS

To be honest, this is the topic I am most passionate about! Because nearly everything “bad” happening around you can be narrowed down to someone, “who didn’t reflect on his actions”. Antisocial actions? Not reflected. Environmental pollution? Not reflected. A cheating partner? Not reflected.

Step 1.: Reflecting means looking at the consequences of your actions and being aware, how your actions can influencing others.

Step 2.: Then you judge on these consequences; are they good or bad? And how should I proceed then?

Sometimes you will find people, who do not mind harming others, but are forgetting about the bigger picture. Every action you take has an influence on something else. And just like a boomerang, things are meant to come back. Spread happiness in the world and happiness comes to you; spread egoism to the world and egoism comes back to you.

So, minding your actions is key! Think about your influence on others: are you helping them? Do you add value to others? This is especially in the light of sustainability correct. Sustainability per definition is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs”. So reflecting your actions and keeping your influence on others in mind. The imperative is to not harm others. And that is applicable to any other situation! Do not harm others! Think about what you are doing! Would you want someone else to act the way you acre acting?