As we have been learning this term, the Power of Quiet Reflection enables us the freedom to create space, to respond instead of react, and reflect on the best direction going forward.
“We do not learn from experience…we learn from reflecting on experience.” – John Dewey
Gratitude journaling is found to improve wellbeing while reducing stress and anxiety. So is expressive writing about our emotional states. Reflection is valuable but can also be challenging. One way to make this easier is to build a ritual around ‘reflecting mindfully’.
Michael Norton, the author of The Ritual Effect: From Habit to Ritual, Harness the Surprising Power of Everyday Actions, shares that rituals “are the emotional catalysts that enhance an ordinary day or make special occasions memorable. They help us get over, get through, and get better at the challenges life presents.”
Here are some steps to pause mindfully in order to facilitate deep reflection ritual:
- Schedule a meeting with yourself – Time-block your calendar and decide the agenda ahead of time. Choosing a topic, question or theme to reflect on ahead of time will free up your headspace to focus on the reflection itself.
- Pick a supportive location – choosing an environment to reflect in can make it more conducive or challenging. Find a quiet or semi-quiet space where you can be free of distractions will set you up to engage in the act of reflection easily.
- Start by stopping – centering yourself using a brief mindfulness based practice can bring you back to the present moment, leaving you in a focused state to reflect and journal.
The key to creating a journaling ritual is to customize and experiment with these different elements until they work for you.
Looking for a gratitude journal? Stop by at the SWC Office in Berry 179 and pick one up!
Check out these reflective journaling prompts to get started today!