A house serves as a powerful symbol of the human mind, with its different levels and spaces mirroring various aspects of consciousness, from the public exterior to the hidden unconscious. This concept was notably developed by Carl Jung, who viewed the house as a model of the self and its complex layers. The light in the house is the evidence of the active and “enlightened” mind. We often describe our thoughts and ideas as “reflections”, as a form of expression.

Various cultures and philosophical traditions use symbols related to water to represent tranquility, serenity, and inner peace. These symbols often evoke the properties of water in its calmest forms, such as stillness, clarity, and gentle flow. 

Japanese and Zen symbols:

•  The Zen concept, “Mind like Water”, suggests that the mind should be calm and clear like a still pond, capable of accurately reflecting everything around it without distortion. 
• The circles on the water, an Enso or Zen circle, are depicted with brushstrokes that mimic the flow of water. The circle represents enlightenment and the universe, all of which are central to achieving tranquility.
• The droplets of water, used to represent mindfulness, incorporate water droplets and ripples. It is vertically arranged to show a droplet representing the present, with mirrored droplets for the past and future. It reminds one to live in the present moment, like a water drop.