The Power of Reflection: Shifting Perspectives and Embracing Growth

What does it mean to reflect?

Reflection might be like sitting yourself on a giant rock in the middle of a lake. It might have been a challenge to reach this rock - you may have waded through some water, and balanced on other rocks to get there. You might feel unsteady or uncomfortable there, but once you’re there, your perspective shifts.

However, life often gets in they way of meaningful reflection, and it is easy to get bogged down in our day to day tasks and responsibilities, operating on autopilot mode. Here are a few simple ways to improve your capacity for reflection:

1. Set Aside Time Daily: Allocate a few minutes each day for self-reflection, perhaps in the morning or before bed.

2. Keep a Journal: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Reflect on what went well and what could be improved.

3. Ask Reflective Questions: Consider questions like, "What did I learn today?" or "How did I handle challenges?"

4. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness or meditation to increase self-awareness and observe your thoughts and emotions.

5. Review Goals Regularly: Assess your progress towards personal and professional goals, and adjust your strategies as needed.

6. Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from others and reflect on their perspectives to gain new insights.

7. Set Reflection Triggers: Use specific events or routines, like finishing a project or completing a meal, as triggers to reflect on your experiences.

8. Create a Reflection Ritual: Develop a consistent ritual, such as a weekly review or a monthly check-in, to evaluate your growth and set new intentions.

9. Use Reflection Prompts: Employ prompts or questions to guide your reflection, such as "What am I grateful for today?" or "What challenges did I overcome?"

10. Engage in Reflective Conversations: Discuss your experiences with friends, mentors, or a therapist to gain different perspectives and deeper insights.

Reflection is like looking up from that rock and noticing the mountains around you - the ones that you have previously climbed and endured, and learning about the parts of yourself that grew with each step that you took. How often do you take a moment to reflect upon the things that you are currently experiencing and the challenges you’ve previously over come? Do you make space to reflect upon what you feel, think, or do? 🏔️☀️