To understand something we need to have a representation of that something in ourselves. To recognise something outside of us is to simultaneously recognise it as something in us too.

I recognise things in people all the time, when I'm talking to them, or listening I see my mind making decisions about what things are or what kind of person someone is. To see those strengths or flaws takes understanding of what characterises them.

When I notice myself seeing flaws in someone else's personality or approach that means I understand the pattern that leads to that judgement and therefore that pattern is in me too. When I accept that what I observe is a reflection of my own possible action then I get to see that person's flaws as my own flaws and that maybe the reason why i'm observing them is really just my mind's way of telling me something about how it's true of me. I take the time then to think in what way it is and invariably there's a deeper lesson for me to learn there than any value I gain from judging someone else.

Similarly when I observe compassion or generosity or patience in others then I know these characteristics are also one's that I possess. I can then reflect on my own ability to display these things and I then ask myself where the opportunity to do that could be.

There are so many things to observe in others, so why not choose to see the things that I want to be. By observing them am I not activating those patterns in myself? Could it be that all we see is who we are?

It's a hard lesson to learn. That perhaps our critical thoughts or words either through our inner voice or through outward expression are just a reflection of our own critique or our own inability to demonstrate compassion for ourselves.

When we choose to see love, are we not being love?