You are my reflection

In Buddhism there is a concept that the people around us reflect our state of life.  At a simple level it works out that when you smile at someone you are likely to receive a smile in return.  On a deeper level a person who is only after power will interpret the actions of others around him or her as a ploy even if they are innocent.  Likewise a person who thinks the best of people will regard everyone around him or her as having good intentions.  Why should I be surprised my work is being criticized if I am constantly critical of myself?  How can it be so hard to be patient when my 7 year old is having a melt down?  If everyone from the guy in front of me in the grocery store to the members of my family are a reflection of me then I have some tweaking of myself to do.  I would like to share a funny joke with the checkout lady or hear laughter more often at home.  The way that I transform myself is through the chanting meditation Nam Myho Renge Kyo.  This is another kind of Buddhist reflection.  I will continue to chant, revolutionizing myself and notice my reflection in the people around me smile and shine with joy.