If one's mind is supposed to be clear during meditation, then how does one reflect on themselves and still maintain 'clearness'?

Still open to answers? I have found that the best approach to meditation is first of all to stop thinking of it as "meditation". What you are really trying to accomplish is to reach a state of total relaxation. For this reason probably the best orientation is to lie down, without a pillow if you can manage it. Create a regular, daily ROUTINE. Be mindful of the fact that total relaxation is perhaps the most demanding, difficult discipline you will ever undertake. Don't be fooled by the notion that you are only "doing nothing." Of course, as you achieve relaxation, you just naturally fall asleep. So you must add something extremely important to the mix, and that is an audible, wholehearted dedication to your Creator. This adds the element of purposefulness. You are relaxing for a reason, a very important reason... first, to achieve complete mastery of your physical body, and subsequently complete mastery of your mental activity, ultimately to meet and serve your Maker. Thus, your mind must be used in a specific way so as to master both the body and the mind. You are attempting to get into flow with "higher energies." To do this you must become FOCUSED, calm, attentive, watchful, anticipating, ALERT, wide awake and AWARE. Once the HABIT of this process is established, you find that you can do it more readily each time you enter into it. You will be rewarded with a special CLARITY and crispness of awareness. Treat your body initially like a wet dish towel. It will pass through stages. You may at first feel itches. Then you may feel heavy. Ultimately you will lose all sensation of your body. To avoid falling asleep you must focus your attention upon the white or grey screen of your mind's eye. The idea is to simply WATCH. To be ALERT. To be receptive, keeping the energy field of protection around you which you erected when you dedicated yourself to "God." This purpose will also enable you to remain STILL, peaceful, alert and free of a myriad of thoughts running rampant like small children in your head. Your purpose will protect you from thoughts running astray. When you succeed in following the energy trail back to the Source of your own Consciousness, you will discover the Cause of Everything. Above all, don't dismay of not accomplishing total relaxation overnight. In fact, it is likely to require months, and could even take years, depending on your degree of devotion.