Institute of Reflection

The virtual Agora for Occidental Meditation – A Tool for Clearer Thinking, Emotional Balance and a Rounded Perspective
What is Reflection?

Western Meditation

Nov 24th, 2021

Reflection is an Activity that too often does not own up to the name.  It is aligned with a horizontal True North of ourselves.  It is a cylinder too often uninspected under the bonnet in the engine that drives people forward into life’s choices.  It is time in our speeded-up world that it has a more recognised niche in our communal psyche.  We are what we have thought. We should think again.

The word ‘meditation’ since the ‘sixties has had an orientation towards the oriental and it has acquired a capital ‘M’. A capital ‘R’ is now the due of ‘reflection’. The West has a vantage point on Reflection that also has been long in the brew.

There is an appetite shared by many to wonder about the Big Questions and the other questions in life so let us take time out to reflect on them.

A clear-minded, rational, serene and detached look at what we truly know and at what individuals and society can do can go hand-in-hand with spirituality. Finding one’s (true) self can build on lateral thinking; reflecting on scientific breakthroughs can shed light on intangible realms. These arguably actuate us and our Faiths and core Beliefs. Much can emerge from our own minds if sensibly and independently used. It is time to refresh some age old, wise – and maybe not so wise – precepts.

Hard-won hallmarks of civilised thinking, open-mindedness, respect for others, care in thought and so forth should be kept clearly in mind. The best habits of mind are rarely a quick fix. Thinking things over may result in better life choices.

This approach should reinforce an understanding of our place in this world and what might be the Hereafter, help query ‘fixed’ landmarks in some of society’s root concepts, and enhance personal fulfilment, peace and happiness.

More on this Subject

Reflection as an academic subject

Reflection as an academic subject

We can think about why we think what we think and think how best we can think. The best means to the best ends begins in the best thoughts. Watch the observer – you – and give ‘him’ the best advice you can. The process points up the purpose. It is as true for reflection itself as for anything else.
Western vis-a-vis Eastern Meditation

Western vis-a-vis Eastern Meditation

There are many paths to enlightenment and many meanings of that word. You wish to Reflect? Stand tall on your right to do so! It is an allowable, rewarding way to spend time. You do not need to Meditate in the way that is a trend unless it speaks to you. There are teachers and traditions from the West to draw upon.
The Theory

The Theory

Introduction to the theory
Reflection on Reflection

Reflection on Reflection

We can think about why we think what we think and think how best we can think. The best means to the best ends begins in the best thoughts. Watch the observer – you – and give ‘him’ the best advice you can. The process points up the purpose. It is as true for reflection itself as for anything else.
An Institute for Reflection

An Institute for Reflection

Socrates thought he could accomplish this worthwhile goal. It is a cornerstone of our way of thinking. To reverse the message in dated phraseology of Dante’s The Divine Comedy: ‘Prepare to meet thy salvation all ye who enter here!’ The carving for The Thinker by Rodin is no longer associated with The Gates of Hell of Dante’s original concept and today is a symbol of philosophy and knowledge.
Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles

Reflection is an Activity that does not own up to the name. It is aligned with a horizontal True North of ourselves. It is a cylinder too often uninspected under the bonnet in the engine that drives people forward into life’s choices. It is time in our speeded-up world that it has a more recognised niche in our communal psyche. Reflection impacts positively on us and on our societies. We are what we have thought. We should think again.
Summary of Theory

Summary of Theory

EVE AND ADAM THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS by B. J. Glass Preamble: Much of the theory of this Institute is in this essay.  It summarises the reflections of its author who wrote without active research into what the experts say. This is reminiscent of a composer in his circle who after years of listening to the classical greats now will not listen to their compositions in that he feels it permeates too far what might have been his own original composing.  There is the possibility that this ...
Reflections as in a Mirror

Reflections as in a Mirror

There is a different but allied sense of the word "reflection". If you look in the mirror you will see a reflection of yourself. Here are the thoughts on this topic of Tessa Rawcliffe.