When I’m in the gym (and have control of the remote) I usually watch a program on HGTV.
It’s the easy listening of TV viewing - it doesn’t require my full attention, or much effort for that matter.
I don’t even need to follow along with the dialogue and what I really enjoy, is that it allows me to drift nicely between paying attention to the show, working out and creating space for my thoughts.
Recently I was watching a renovation show (aren’t they all renovation shows?) where a family was fixing up their home so they could sell it and buy something new. Nothing remarkable here, right?
Well, in this espisode, there was - when the host asked each family member to share one word that described what their home meant to them. Beauty, strength, and love were some of the responses.
This simple refection got me thinking. What words would I use to describe my home? What words wouldn’t I use? And what about that mattered? As my thoughts rolled over this question, I was soon reminded of the power of the reflective process, its ability to connect me with ME and the insights I gain as a result.
I love these unexpected reflective moments. They ground me and inspire me and remind me what we can learn with stillness, curiosity and introspection.
“Reflective thinking turns experience into insight”
John Maxwell
Reflection in this context is defined as serious thought or consideration about something in your life.
Much of the work I do with my clients, and they do on their own between our sessions, is reflecting. It’s here they mine their gold, unearth their truth and find their A-ha’s. That effort helps them get unstuck, discover a different perspective or move forward. Its powerful and empowering.
Ideally, we’d make this a regular practice. People who regularly journal certainly do. Most of us, myself included, need a little push because not every episode of The Property Brother’s Buying and Selling is going to serve you up an opportunity to do so. For you DIYers, a good way to get started is to ask yourself one question each day. Something simple and powerful.
What is there to celebrate today?
What is present when I’m at my best?
Where do I give my power away?
In the bigger scheme of things, how important is this?
In addition to learning something through the process, deep reflection changes something in you.
The word I used to describe my home? CLUTTERED. That realization has prompted me to reduce and purge and to live more comfortably with less.
How you do it, when you do it or where you do it is not material. Making time for reflection, is.
If you struggle (like me) with quieting your mind, then consider adding in something routine, like riding a bike, going for a walk, or washing dishes. Something that creates a steady state of doing, so your mind can focus on being.
Reflection is also available to you in conversation with someone, in a book or article you read, through observation or taking the time to examine how you feel about something.
However you get there, I encourage you to get there, because in the words of Carl Sagan “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
Want to read more about reflection? Read my January 2019 blog, Reflection before Resolution.
