Imagine a small pond in the early morning. The surface is smooth as glass, perfectly mirroring the trees and sky above. Every detail—the curve of a branch, the soft light of dawn—is reflected with clarity.

Now picture that same pond on a windy afternoon. The surface ripples. If you toss a stone into it, the water churns with waves, circles, and splashes. The trees and sky are still there, but their reflection is distorted and becomes difficult to see.

Our mind works much the same way.

The Mind as a Reflective Pond

When the mind is still, it has the capacity to reflect reality clearly. We can see things as they are, without the fog of overthinking or the distortions of old emotional pain.

But when our thoughts and feelings are stirred up, by anxiety, anger, painful memories, or charged emotions, our pond gets disturbed. Like a stirred-up pond, our perception becomes cloudy. What we see is no longer a faithful reflection of reality, but a distortion shaped by old currents and turbulence as we struggle against the waves.

Clarity Comes From Stillness

We can’t stop the wind from blowing or prevent stones from falling into our pond from time to time. But we can practice letting the ripples settle.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Sitting quietly, focusing on your breath, and allowing thoughts to pass without grabbing onto them is like giving the water a chance to still itself.
• Awareness: Recognizing when your mind is stirred up helps you remember that now is not the moment to act or make big decisions. Wait for clarity.
• Gentle Self-Compassion: Instead of fighting your emotions, imagine yourself gently holding the water—allowing the sediment to sink naturally.

Dr. Thomas Lindquist, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Contact: t.lindquist.psyd@gmail.com