Ageless Wisdom of the Essenes

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The Seven Mirrors of Relationship

Gregg Braden discusses the Essenes’ understanding of human relationships, which they categorized into seven mysteries. These mysteries are referred to as “mirrors,” reflecting the reality within individuals through interactions with others.

The Seven Mirrors of Relationship, as described by Gregg Braden and rooted in the teachings of the Essenes, reflect how our interactions with others serve as mirrors, revealing deeper truths about ourselves. Each mirror corresponds to a unique aspect of self-awareness and life experience. Below is an outline of these mirrors:

1. Mirror of the Moment

This mirror reflects what we are radiating in the present moment. It shows us the qualities, emotions, and energies we project onto others, which are then mirrored back through their behavior and responses.

2. Mirror of Judgment

This mirror reflects what we judge in others. It reveals traits or behaviors in others that trigger strong emotional reactions, indicating unresolved judgments or issues within ourselves.

3. Mirror of Lost Parts of Self

This mirror reflects parts of ourselves that we have lost, given away, or suppressed. It shows us qualities we see in others that we may long for or need to reintegrate into our lives.

4. Mirror of Forgotten Love

This mirror reveals patterns or relationships where we have unresolved wounds related to love. It reflects the dynamics where we continue to seek closure or healing from past experiences.

5. Mirror of Mother/Father

This mirror reflects our relationship with our parents or primary caregivers. It reveals how our perceptions of others or our reactions to them are shaped by unresolved dynamics from our upbringing.

6. Mirror of the Dark Night of the Soul

This mirror reflects our deepest challenges and fears. It often surfaces during moments of significant personal struggle or transformation, showing us what we fear or reject within ourselves.

7. Mirror of Self-Perception

This mirror reflects how we perceive ourselves. It reveals whether we accept or reject the aspects of who we truly are, based on how we interpret the actions and reactions of others around us.

Each of these mirrors provides an opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and healing, helping us better understand our inner world through the lens of our relationships.

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A Personal Example of the Mirrors

Gregg Braden shares a personal story where three significant relationships entered his life simultaneously. Each relationship reflected deeper lessons related to judgment and trust.

Overview of the Relationships

1. Romantic Relationship: A connection based on shared interests and familiarity but without strong emotional pull.
2. Business Relationship: An arrangement where a colleague offered to manage logistics for seminars.
3. Friendship and Quasi-Business Relationship: An agreement with a carpenter to house-sit and provide services while Gregg was away.

Challenges and Insights

Each relationship began to cause significant frustration. Initially, Gregg rationalized his discomfort as stress and fatigue, but deeper reflection revealed these relationships mirrored his own judgments around honesty, integrity, and trust.

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A Financial Incident as a Mirror

During this time, Gregg experienced a financial crisis involving an unauthorized withdrawal from his bank account. Concurrently, other financial issues arose, including delayed payments for workshops and inappropriate behavior from the carpenter on his property. These events underscored the lessons of the second mirror.

Recognizing the Mirror

Gregg realized these experiences were not random but were a reflection of his deep-seated judgments about honesty and trust. He walked along a familiar road near his home and contemplated the common threads among these challenges.

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Applying the Lesson

By recognizing the mirrors in his relationships, Gregg acknowledged his intense focus on honesty and integrity. He understood these traits were being mirrored back to him as judgments he had not reconciled.

Outcomes of Reflection

1. Ending Unproductive Relationships: Gregg severed ties with the business associate whose behavior did not align with his values.
2. New Opportunities: Soon after, he connected with a new seminar coordinator, Joanne Cornog, whose approach felt aligned. This partnership led to long-term professional success.

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The Power of Discernment

Gregg emphasizes the importance of discernment in relationships. By recognizing the difference between what one judges and what one embodies, individuals can make clearer decisions and learn valuable lessons.

Final Reflection

Gregg invites viewers to examine the people they hold closest and the traits that trigger strong reactions. He suggests asking:

1. Are these individuals reflecting who I am in the moment?
2. Are they reflecting what I judge in the moment?

The answers may provide profound insights into one’s inner world and the lessons available through relationships.